North West Program Alliance First Nations employment programs

Social procurement initiatives at the North West Program Alliance (NWPA), delivered by Alliance partner John Holland, are creating new pathways into the construction industry for Aboriginal people, combining an internal traineeship program with a trade apprenticeship collaboration with an Aboriginal owned business.

NWPA established a First Nations traineeship program, employing 4 Aboriginal trainees as Business Support Officers across its Safety, Sustainability, Industry Capability and Inclusion, and Business Support teams.

The program is designed to address barriers First Nations people often face in accessing employment, giving trainees a direct route into the sector. Alongside their roles, the trainees are completing a Certificate III qualification, supported by dedicated study time, regular check ins and ongoing mentoring. All 4 trainees were recruited through relationship building with First Nations networks and community organisations, an approach that has proven more effective than conventional recruitment for reaching and retaining Aboriginal talent.

NWPA has also partnered with Monero Constructions, an Aboriginal owned business, to create 3 carpentry apprenticeships for Aboriginal people. Apprentices are completing a Certificate III in Carpentry while working full time on major infrastructure projects, gaining formal qualifications and hands on experience at the same time.

The partnership goes beyond individual roles, with ongoing work packages helping grow Monero Constructions' long-term capability as a business. Mentoring and cultural awareness training are built into the program, supporting a culturally safe workplace and helping apprentices stay the course.

Together, these initiatives are:

  • increasing Aboriginal workforce participation
  • building recognised trade and business support skills
  • strengthening Aboriginal business capability within the infrastructure sector.

They show how social procurement can work at both ends of a career, creating entry level opportunities while helping established Aboriginal businesses grow alongside major projects.