Career Starter to Build Civil Construction Workers of the Future

November 2023 marked the beginning of an innovative partnership between Daracon Group and local high schools to inspire and educate students about careers in civil construction.

In an exciting collaboration, Daracon Group has launched the 'Career Starter' program in partnership with the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence, who partner with local primary and secondary schools including, Rutherford Technology High School and Maitland Grossmann High School to create pathways for students into industry. This initiative aims to introduce students to the dynamic world of civil construction, providing them with hands-on work experience and opportunities for traineeships and apprenticeships.

The pilot program, which kicked off in November 2023, saw a promising start and was followed by a refreshed 2024 program, kicking off with an excursion day for 30+ students. Welcoming the students to Daracon’s head office in Beresfield on 14 May, students were invited to explore career possibilities within Daracon and hear from current employees about their varied experiences within the Group.  After touring the Beresfield head office site, students enjoyed a ‘virtual’ drone visit of a current project, before seeing civil construction in action at a property development project, to help gain practical insights into the industry.

Shane Dryden, STEM Project Officer at the Hunter Academy of STEM Excellence, praised the program's impact on the students and the collaborative efforts that made it possible. "I want to sincerely thank you and all of the contributors to this program at Daracon. This was such an amazing opportunity for these young people, and Daracon’s commitment to the partnership between the Hunter Academy, and the High Schools has been phenomenal," Dryden said.

The 'Career Starter' program is designed to offer students a comprehensive understanding of what a career in civil construction entails. It includes hands-on work experience, where students can actively participate in projects, and provides pathways for school leavers to secure traineeships and apprenticeships with Daracon Group.

Daracon’s Head of People and Culture Adele Stewart said “As a local business celebrating 40 years of operation, we are passionate about the opportunity to highlight that there are fantastic career opportunities in Civil Construction for young people in our community.”

“We noted from attendance at careers fairs and other events that there was very little knowledge amongst students about the breadth of opportunities available within the civil construction industry and the fantastic careers that can stem from these.  This is why the design of the program includes the opportunity for students to hear from our individual team members, and their career journey, plus going on site to see a variety of different works up close,” said Ms Stewart.

As Daracon Group continues to foster this valuable partnership, the 'Career Starter' program promises to be a cornerstone in building future careers in civil construction for local students, paving the way for the next generation of skilled professionals in the industry.