Opening doors to diverse careers in construction

Since launching in 2022, the M80 Ring Road Completion (M80RR) cadet program has supported 81 university students to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of project teams, from sustainability and stakeholder engagement to legal, engineering, and people and culture. The program is delivered as part of the M80RR project by our construction partners Acciona, MACA and Aecom.

Designed to broaden access to the construction industry, the program places cadets based on their area of study and interests, rather than focusing solely on engineering roles. Cadets work 2 days per week during semester and full time over the break, while receiving support through mentoring, training, and professional development.

The program has created opportunities for people who may not have previously considered a role in construction. To date, 52% of cadets have been women, 58% are priority jobseekers, and 20% are people living with disability. 14 cadets have completed their degrees and transitioned into full-time graduate positions on the project.

“I never believed a career in construction could be something I could strive for,” said Bailey, who began in 2023 as a Diversity and Inclusion Cadet. “The program helped me connect my academic learning to real-world work and gave me the confidence to step into a graduate role.”

Dianna, now in her third year of the program, said the experience has helped her grow personally and professionally. “At first, I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I belonged, but I’ve grown more confident in my role. I now manage tasks independently on-site and enjoy collaborating with my team.”

By engaging cadets from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, the program is helping to shift perceptions about careers in construction and build a pipeline of skilled professionals across the sector. It also strengthens partnerships with universities and creates meaningful pathways into the workforce, particularly for those who may face barriers to employment.