M80 Ring Road empowering marginalised jobseekers
The M80 Ring Road Completion (M80RR) project is more than a civil infrastructure upgrade - it’s a catalyst for creating employment opportunities, particularly for marginalised jobseekers.
Through its commitment to social procurement, the project, which is being delivered by construction partners Acciona, Maca and Aecom, has fostered pathways for individuals facing barriers to employment, offering them the chance to develop new skills and build careers within the civil construction industry.
One such success story is Yolima Palacios, who has benefitted from the focus on inclusive hiring practices.
Originally from Colombia, Yolima has qualifications in Industrial Engineering and Business Administration, as well as over a decade of professional experience in Quality, Environmental, and Workplace Health and Safety management systems. Despite her qualifications, Yolima faced challenges finding relevant work when she moved to Australia in early 2020.
After relocating, Yolima worked as a cleaner to gain local work experience. While working with M80RR subcontractor, Shining Knight, Yolima took a keen interest in the project’s inclusive culture and explored opportunities within the project. She identified an opening for career advancement and soon transitioned from cleaning to a new role as a Quality and Completions Administrator with Acciona.
Yolima’s story is just 1 example of how the M80RR project’s focus on social procurement has provided a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter the civil construction industry. By prioritising opportunities for marginalised jobseekers, the project is playing a vital role in building a more inclusive and equitable civil construction sector.