Trainees clockwise from top left: Simone Phillips, Tyrell Mitchell, Katelyn Thomson, Lachlan Scanlan
The Morley-Ellenbrook Line project team is celebrating some very significant milestones - not only completing 50 per cent of the project by September 2023, but also reaching several great training outcomes.
In June 2023, trainee Simone Phillips was the first to complete a Certificate III in Business Administration under contractor Laing O’Rourke’s traineeship program. Three Civil Construction trainees followed closely in Simone’s footsteps, completing their certificates in October. All trainees were offered full-time employment with Laing O’Rourke and are currently working across all Morley-Ellenbrook line sites. The trainees’ success is testament to their hard work and dedication and the achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity and skill development by Laing O’Rourke.
"I completed my training thanks to support from the project team and I learnt from them each and every day. The training was amazing and my gratitude goes to Aboriginal Participation Advisor, Terika for supporting and helping me with the challenges I faced". Civil Construction trainee Simone Phillips.
Over the past 17 months, the project has also engaged with mentoring service, Nudge, to further assist civil construction trainees in kickstarting their careers. In mid-November 2023, Nudge held its Annual Sundowner and Training Awards and Civil Construction trainee Lachlan (Lachie) Scanlan won the Young Achiever Award (with other trainees recognised as finalists).
Like many individuals starting their first job, Lachie faced some challenges adjusting to his new work environment but was recognised as showing great courage in applying himself to be the best he could be. Lachie rode his bicycle to site on his first day but set his mind to saving his money and progressed to an electric scooter, which he used to commute to work for over 12 months. Rain, hail or shine, Lachie came to work with an amazing 93 per cent attendance. He was determined to get his driver’s licence and through hard work and dedication, purchased his first car before getting his licence. Lachie’s journey is something his team were very proud to witness and is a great example that anyone can do anything when they put their mind to it.
Trainee Lachlan Scanlan (right) with trainer, Graham