Civil Contractors Federation SA (CCF SA) congratulates the first eight graduates of the T2D Women in Tunnelling Pre-employment Program, with all participants securing roles on the River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project and beginning their inductions this week.

The graduation marks an important milestone in creating greater opportunities for women to build rewarding careers in South Australia's civil construction industry.

Designed as a direct pathway into employment, the program equips participants with the skills, confidence and industry knowledge needed to transition into tunnelling and major infrastructure projects.

CCF SA and its registered training division, Civil Train SA, was proud to partner with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), The Umbrella Collective and the T2D Alliance to support this important initiative, hosting the training at our recently opened Centre of Excellence.

CCF SA CEO Jessica Tucker said it’s a great example of industry and government working together to address workforce needs while encouraging greater diversity across the civil construction sector.

“CCF SA was proud to play a key role in training the first graduates of the Women in Tunnelling Pre-Employment Program, which is not just a training exercise, but a direct pathway into employment on the T2D Project," Jessica said.

“The first eight graduates are shining examples of the talent, commitment and diversity across South Australia’s civil construction workforce.

“CCF SA is proud to support initiatives that create meaningful pathways into civil construction, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with T2D, CITB and other industry stakeholders to deliver training and equip future graduates needed for the project and the sector more broadly.”

T2D Skills and Legacy Director Caroline Victory said the initiative demonstrates the Project's commitment to creating a lasting legacy.

“Great projects should leave more behind than just infrastructure. They should leave opportunity, capability and stronger South Australian communities than the ones we started with,” Caroline said.

“As a project, we are using our scale and influence to create meaningful outcomes and break down traditional barriers into construction for South Australians.”

The graduation also coincided with another significant milestone for the Project, with tunnelling operations commencing using Mary, the first Tunnel Boring Machine to begin work on the T2D Project.

Named after South Australian suffragist Mary Lee, the milestone provides a fitting backdrop to celebrating women forging new career pathways in tunnelling.

Congratulations to all eight graduates as they begin their careers on South Australia's largest infrastructure project. We look forward to seeing their continued success and the positive impact this program will have on the future of our industry.