To the uninitiated, creativity and engineering may not be an obvious pairing. But for Suburban Rail Loop Authority’s (SRLA) Rail and Infrastructure Graduate Adele Aldaoud, that’s exactly what inspired her to become an engineer.
Growing up in Syria, Adele loved visiting her carpenter grandfather and architect aunt to watch them at work, spellbound by the plans and drawings sprawled across their desks.
‘I always wondered how someone could turn ideas and drawings on paper into a real structure like a massive skyscraper. I used to think “that person must be superhuman!”’ she says. ‘I was amazed at how engineers changed the landscape around us.’
Coupled with a love and talent for math, Adele knew engineering was for her – even when teaching became a recurring theme in her university days and early career.
‘Many people discouraged me from studying civil engineering, claiming it was more suitable for men and would be difficult for women in the workplace. They suggested I go into teaching instead,’ she says.
With the unwavering support of her parents, Adele completed a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at Al-Ba’ath University in Syria before deciding to move to Australia in 2017.
When she arrived, she worked as a teacher’s assistant and math tutor before continuing her postgraduate studies in engineering – completing a Masters in Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Tasmania.
‘Even in Australia, everyone told me it was unusual for a female to be a civil engineer,’ she says.
Now working at SRLA as part of the 2022 SRLA Graduate Program, Adele is excited to make her mark on Melbourne.
‘I'm so lucky to join this transformative and city-shaping project in its early stages,’ she says.
‘SRL will help Melbourne grow in a sustainable way and influence where people choose to live and work – I’m excited to be a part of it.’
Construction of SRL East between Cheltenham and Box Hill begins this year, delivering 26kms of twin tunnels and 6 new underground stations, and creating up to 800 early direct jobs.
During the Initial and Early Works, Adele’s focus is to support the moving and protection of underground services such as gas, electrical, water and telecommunications. The works also include ground investigations and road modifications to prepare sites for the launch of tunnel boring machines.
Around 14% of total hours worked during this first phase of construction will be completed by Victorian apprentices, trainees or cadets, with opportunities for women, Aboriginal and disadvantaged Victorians.
Overall, the project will support up to 24,000 jobs during construction of SRL East and SRL North, creating a massive pipeline of opportunities for the next generation of Victorians just like Adele.
On ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day’, Adele shares some advice for girls and young women considering a career in the field. Along with practical advice to get stuck into STEM subjects at school, she advises staying true to yourself.
‘Don’t be discouraged, engineering is so rewarding,’ she says. ‘Everyone has a set of valuable skills they can bring to the construction industry, and we need to see more women in engineering.'
