Construction-ready: Central-West Orana women complete hands-on training

We’re celebrating nine women from Dubbo and Wellington who have earned nationally-accredited construction skills, gained hands-on experience with tools and learned traffic management thanks to the Women in Construction Taster Program.

The graduates completed the fully-funded initiative, delivered by EnergyCo and the Department of Education, with support from VERTO, SKIVL and Yakka Training.  

Over two weeks, they gained their White Cards and learnt to operate construction rollers, apply risk management approaches, implement traffic management plans and conduct first aid. They also learnt strategic communication skills and gained work-readiness and career planning advice.

Speaking at a graduation at the Wellington Bowling Club, EnergyCo Community Benefits and Outcomes Director Yvette Lloyd told the women they were impressive.  

"It’s incredibly inspiring to see this first group of Women in Construction graduates step forward with new skills, confidence and direction,” she said.

“This program is designed to open doors, and I’m excited to see where this takes you and how you’ll help shape the future of construction and energy in our region.”

Graduates were connected with local employers and industry partners at the event, gaining connections and advice on securing construction roles.

Course participant Melina Barker said she saw a lot of demand for this type of course, and confidence was the first step.

“We’ve already told heaps of family members about the program, and the qualifications,” she said.

“There seems to be a lot of other people motivated to do it but they don’t have a lot of self-confidence to give it a go.”

The Women in Construction Taster Program is part of a $3 million NSW Government initiative delivering accredited training, apprenticeships and career pathways to ensure locals are first in line for thousands of jobs created through the transformation of the NSW energy grid. 

Learn more about the program.