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This October, we’re celebrating Airport Safety Week alongside the Australian Airports Association, and while safety might not...
Brisbane Airport is gearing up for a major transformation with a $5 billion project pipeline over the next decade, preparing to meet the demands of a projected 43% population growth by 2041. With a Queensland construction skills gap, Brisbane Airport, along with partners Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and Lendlease have united to attract students to the industry with hands-on experience at major projects on-site.
This collaboration aims to address the skill gap in the construction industry and introduce high school students to a wide array of career opportunities in construction.
Scott Gilbert, Regional EHS Manager for Lendlease in Queensland and the Northern Territory, shared insights into the partnership.
"Lendlease is lucky enough to be a Brisbane Airport major projects partner in this initiative," he explained.
"This partnership promotes training and upskilling of workers across the construction industry in Queensland. Through this partnership, the CSQ team assists with organising engagement activities held on our projects to promote the construction industry to new entrants. High school students can attend a construction site and experience the variety of careers and roles available."
The initiative includes activities such as ‘try a skill’ days, site tours, and workshops with subcontractors. These sessions cover a range of tasks beyond the usual trades, such as digital engineering, surveying, environmental safety, and more. Students gain a comprehensive view of what it takes to manage and execute large-scale construction projects.
Tony Martin, Career Pathways Manager at CSQ, highlighted the importance of these experiences for students.
"It's not so much about the skills as it is the experience," Tony stated.
"The intent is that students gain a greater understanding of the different career pathways the industry provides. By allowing students to get up close to the action of a live construction site, they become aware of careers they didn’t even know existed. Students learn what it feels like to have that 'I built it' moment and go home to have dinner table conversations with parents or carers about a career in construction.”
The program also aims to provide mentorship and support from Lendlease staff.
Scott emphasised the value of these interactions, saying, "During these events, we encourage our Lendlease site team to attend and share their career journeys and what they love about construction. We also encourage work experience on-site, where we can partner a student with a Lendlease team member or subcontractor in a career they are interested in."
This initiative is aligned with Lendlease's broader goals for community engagement and workforce development.
"There is currently a skill shortage in all aspects of the construction industry," Scott noted.
"Therefore, the more students that look at a career in construction, the better. These days are also an opportunity to celebrate the careers and projects we are working on. It's great to support CSQ and give back to the construction industry. Personally, I would love to see a student who attended an engagement day end up working for Lendlease."
For CSQ, this program fits seamlessly into its mission to provide the industry with a pipeline of well-rounded, talented, and employable new entrants.
"CSQ, in conjunction with our partner schools, is committed to providing the industry with a pipeline of talented new entrants. This program forms part of a funnel approach, allowing students to make informed career pathway decisions. As a student nears the end of the funnel, they are ready to enter the industry. "The success of this initiative is measured not just by the number of participants but by the enthusiasm and engagement of both students and industry professionals.
"It's a long game," Tony remarked. "With the current demand for new workers not declining, any participant entering the industry will be seen as a win. Short-term success is measured by both industry and students' appetite for these events, and currently, both are high."
Feedback from students has been positive. Surveys indicate a significant increase in students' knowledge about construction pathways.
One student expressed their excitement, saying, "Knowing what’s happening now in Brisbane Airport was a highlight."
Looking ahead, both CSQ and Lendlease are optimistic about the program's growth.
"So far in 2024, we have had 4,800 students attending 137 events statewide, with an outstanding female participation rate of 42.25%."
Through this partnership, Brisbane Airport is not only shaping the future of its infrastructure but also nurturing the next generation of construction professionals. By providing real-world experience and mentorship, CSQ and Lendlease are laying the foundations for a skilled and inspired workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the construction industry.
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