As part of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s Port Wakefield to Port Augusta Regional Projects Alliance (PW2PA), CPB Contractors has celebrated the completion of another capacity-building training program that brings diversity into construction. Participants of the PW2PA Indigenous training program took part in 5-weeks of paid training where they obtained their white cards, learnt work zone traffic management and gained tickets to operate machinery.
The program was initiated by CPB Contractors General Superintendent Edwin Davey and has been specifically designed to provide nationally recognised accreditation and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Edwin Davey, a Larrakia man, has more than 20 years' experience in Civil Construction. "I started my career in construction at 18 years old as a leading hand and plant operator and have worked on major infrastructure projects all over Australia,” said Edwin.
“I love the industry and, through CPB Contractors, we're able to mentor dozens of First Nations’ Australians and to help them build careers in construction,” he added.
With one of the highest retention rates of any training program across CPB Contractors, Edwin says he largely attributes the success to the role played by indigenous mentors.
“Indigenous mentors are instrumental in guiding participants through the various components of the training… whether it’s the online learning modules or the operational training that helps build the skills needed to safely operate complex machinery,” said Edwin.
Andrew Giammo, CPB Contractors General Manager for WA/SA/NT, says that Edwin’s work championing training and employment opportunities for First Nations participants has already given local participants access to over 800 hours of on-site training.
“Programs like this purpose-built PW2PA training program are how CPB Contractors is delivering participation opportunities in employment, training and enterprises for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples… This is our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan in action,” said Andrew.
Edwin added that “the key driver of this program is to provide opportunities for local Aboriginal people to enter the construction industry and to leave a life-changing legacy which will create ongoing positive outcomes for them, long after the Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication project is complete.”
As part of the Port Wakefield to Port Augusta Alliance, CPB Contractors is delivering key regional projects in an alliance with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Aurecon Australasia and GHD. Key projects include the construction of the Joy Baluch AM Bridge Duplication in Port Augusta, the Port Wakefield Overpass and Highway Duplication, and the Augusta Highway Duplication, between Port Wakefield and Lochiel.