Enthusiastic year 10 students from Mount St Joseph Girls’ College had a look at the Kororoit Creek Road level crossing construction site.
These students have all shown an interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and eagerly put their hands up to visit the site.
This was an excellent opportunity for the students to get a first-hand look at how a major infrastructure project operates, and gain an understanding of the different career opportunities that are available on a project of this scale.
As well as discussing the specific construction methods used, the visit also included a talk with Construction Manager Harriet Christopherson and Health, Safety and Environment Advisor Laura Bruce.
The pair described the different roles they perform in the removal of the level crossing, and spoke about their individual journeys within the construction industry.
'Our visit the level crossing removal site was a fantastic opportunity for our students to speak with female leaders in the industry and find out how they can pursue a career in civil engineering, workplace safety or communications,' said Adam Gonzalez, Director of Pedagogy and Technology at the school.
'For year 10 students it is an important, yet sometimes challenging, time of their schooling where they are faced with big decisions about their future careers or pathways. Having this great chance to speak with women working in a STEM industry was a fantastic way to open their eyes to the possibilities.'
The students were also treated to a tour of the construction area. While on-board their school mini bus, the students could view the new dual bridge structures that are now in place over Kororoit Creek Road. They could see the finer details of the project, which sparked some excellent questions and discussion.
Mount St Joseph Girls’ College is located near Westona Station and was affected by the 39-day closure of the Altona Loop on the Werribee Line. This closure allowed for the removal of the level crossing on Kororoit Creek Road and for a partial duplication of the Altona Loop.
Trains are now back running, with major works finishing on 23 July – 6 days ahead of schedule.
