TAFE NSW Civil Construction students have put their new skills into action as part of one of the area’s largest projects, the $4.65 million George Bass Drive realignment.
With the large number of infrastructure projects underway across the country, opportunities for skilled civil construction professionals are expected to increase. According to the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, companies in building and civil construction are experiencing jobs growth, particularly in construction management roles.
Lily Griffiths and Kelly-Ann Marshall are undertaking traineeships with Eurobodalla Shire Council that can pathway into careers in civil construction management. For now, they’re taking pride in seeing the results of their work throughout the community. Whether it be drainage, roads, or footpaths the pair are enjoy using their new skills to improve the area they live in.
They joined Council’s infrastructure team last year as part of a trainee program and training agreement with TAFE NSW that has been running for more than a decade. The council program provides the region’s young people with employment and skills to build their careers in the local area.
Batemans Bay resident Lily Griffiths is studying Certificate III in Civil Construction at TAFE NSW Moruya and said she’s enjoyed it from day one.
“When I was nearing the end of high school my father suggested I try civil construction as a career. I applied for an apprenticeship at council after finishing year 12. “I’m in my second year at TAFE now and I’ve learned about interpreting plans, using equipment and some machinery, safety and lots of practical skills. 
She said she has a better understanding about how infrastructure works in and around the community. “I understand why certain might be built or designed the way they are. I get a real sense of pride when I drive on a road or past some drainage I helped to build,” she said.
Eurobodalla Shire Council Civil Engineer Cadet Kelly-Ann Marshall was fortunate to have people around her from the civil construction industry while she was growing up. “From an early age, I knew this industry was an active, outdoors job – something I’d like,” she said.
“I had been laboring in construction before applying for the role at council and I think that previous experience has been a real help with understanding a lot of the fundamentals. The work we do meshes in perfectly with what we learn at TAFE. We might be learning how to interpret design plans and understand about soil compaction and then we will be out in the field doing those things, putting what we’ve learned into action.
She said one of her working highlights over the past 12 months has been working on the George Bass Drive realignment. “That’s a large project resulting in a safer road. I feel lucky to have been involved.
“Civil Engineering and Construction are important jobs and the work we do can affect a large part of the community. I grew up here, so put a lot of value on the work I do around the area.”
For more information about the range of courses available at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601. 

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, mobile 0466 375 552.