FOR a single mother of five, the thought of beginning a career seemed daunting.
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However, Bega’s Bronwyn Luff took the opportunity of a construction-based traineeship with Brookfield Multiplex.
Early in 2014, Brookfield Multiplex was appointed as lead contractor for the South East Regional Hospital in Bega.
The project is the biggest infrastructure job to be undertaken in the Bega Valley Shire and has created 1500 positions.
In partnering with the Bega Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Brookfield has committed to a 12-month trainee program offering 20 local Indigenous people the opportunity to develop new skills on site in a mentoring atmosphere.
The trainees were selected from 65 applicants across the South Coast including Bega, Batemans Bay, Cooma and Eden.
On completion of the program, trainees receive a Certificate II in Construction Pathways.
Constructing a hospital provides the trainees with a unique and diverse range of skill development opportunities.
There are systems and equipment installed in hospital that are not seen in other buildings.
“I saw it as a way to get new skills and an opportunity for my family,” Ms Luff said.
“I am so lucky to be learning from all the people here on site.”
Bega has always been home to Ms Luff and her children.
However, limited employment opportunities drastically restricted her work experience and skill development.
When learning of the traineeship opportunity and the possibilities a construction career can lead to, she decided to apply.
Ms Luff is currently the only female on site at Bega, but her integration into the male-dominated site has been smooth with Brookfield recognised as an industry leader in promoting gender diversity and equality in its work force.
“The men on site make me feel welcome like I am just one of the boys,” she said.
Ms Luff is now a keen advocate for the traineeship program and has taken it upon herself to encourage family and friends to apply for the opportunity.
Her advice for those seeking employment in the construction industry – especially women – is to “just give it a go…you can do it”.
The new SERH will offer extensive community and ambulatory services, community mental health, drug and alcohol services, an emergency department, combined integrated critical care unit, regional orthopaedic services and expanded surgical, maternity and paediatrics.
Clinical support services including medical imaging, pharmacy and pathology, and non-clinical support services including food services, cleaning and linen services, admissions and business support services and spaces for training will also be offered.
The hospital will also have parking for around 500 cars and a helipad space.
The site of the SERH is not far from Biamanga.
The hospital site and the mountain are culturally significant for the local Aboriginal people.
Approximately 40 Aboriginal stone artefacts were found on the site during heritage survey work in early 2013.