Tunnelling for new talent: A Gamuda success story
Australia's skills shortage is hitting the construction industry hard. A need for more people is driving up costs, delaying projects and making it difficult for employers to find, secure and keep qualified people.
At a NSW safety leaders forum run by The Safe Step, we learned about an innovative approach to bridging gaps, bridging new talent into the construction industry, and setting benchmarks for training and safety. Read on to learn more.
Australia’s skills shortage
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia experienced a notable skills shortage. Strong economic conditions, low migration levels and record-low unemployment led to stiff competition in the job market.
In the past five years, demand for HSE professionals surged by 151%, with roles like Safety Coordinators and Safety Advisors witnessing the most notable growth. Employer demand has been strong, but the supply of skilled workers is low. This mismatch has created a shortfall, that has hit many sectors like construction hard. Employers are struggling to fill crucial roles, leading to decreased efficiency, higher costs, and difficulties in delivering major projects. Some employers have resorted to inflated wages, while others have explored innovative approaches to attract new talent to the industry, alongside nurturing and developing their existing workforce.
An innovative solution to skills shortage
The Gamuda and Laing O’Rourke Consortium (GLC) is delivering the Sydney Metro West - Western Tunnelling Package. The project involves nine kilometres of twin metro rail tunnels between Westmead and Sydney Olympic Park, excavation for two new metro stations, a stabling and maintenance facility at Clyde and a precast facility at Eastern Creek.
Gamuda understood that having a strong pipeline of skilled workers would be essential for the project’s success.
In collaboration with the client, Sydney Metro, Gamuda pioneered an innovative solution to attract people to the project and upskill existing
employees to provide specialist TBM tunnelling skills.
A purpose-built Tunnelling and Infrastructure Academy was established in Western Sydney, bringing workers into a safe environment for skills and safety training before entering the live site. Trainees can hone their skills on decommissioned equipment such as a cutter head, conveyor station, control station and ring builder simulator.
“The purpose of this training facility is to invest and train people not only within our company but also people from the broader industry and individuals entering the construction field. Helping to upskill those professionals, to be more acquainted with tunnel boring machines specifically and all the other associated infrastructure training that goes with that,” said Head of Health, Safety & Quality at Gamuda, Ben Kirkbride
The Safe Step’s Stephen Coldicutt inspects the Academy’s cutterhead training room.
Training to enhance skills and standards.
Gamuda’s National Training & Development Manager, Carly Allen, has developed a robust programme for the Academy that encompasses preboarding, upskilling, accreditation, and mentoring – initiatives that are part of Sydney Metro’s Workforce Development Framework. Gamuda has been at the forefront of introducing a wide range of skills and employment initiatives within the Tunnelling and Infrastructure Academy, including pre-employment programs focused on women, STEM school engagement sessions, ‘Skills for Schools’ targeting young high-school females, school-based apprenticeships and traineeships with local schools in Greater Western Sydney, and new Heavy Haulage Programs. Employees are set up for success, not only on the site but in the broader construction industry.
Some courses at the facility have been developed in partnership with the NSW Department of Education or contain modules aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), such as Conduct Tunnel Boring Operations’. These are helping to set sector-wide benchmarks for skills and safety.
“An investment in people is an investment in the future,” said The Safe Step’s Stephen Coldicutt. “Having the right people in place isn't just about filling roles; it's about bringing ideas to life, achieving strategic goals, and executing business plans. Employers who forge strong entry pathways and offer clear development opportunities aren’t just retaining their people but building a foundation for future success.”
The Safe Step’s Stephen Coldicutt inspects the Tunnelling and Infrastructure Academy’s replica TBM Operator Cabin, where tunnelling workers are trained.
Supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce
The Tunnelling and Infrastructure Academy also sets out to enhance diversity and inclusion within the workforce. A custom Yarning Circle artwork and gender diversity initiatives at the facility help to support workers feel welcome and psychologically safe. With funding from the NSW Department of Education, Gamuda has also developed a female-only pre-employment program, designed to attract more women into the profession. The initiative encompasses not only tunnelling and civil technical training, but also wellbeing training, cultural awareness, and a mentoring program via MATES in Construction.
The initiative has attracted a diverse cohort of women from backgrounds like dentistry, hospitality, and mothers returning to work. The initiative's appeal lies in making the industry accessible and inclusive. “Programs like this are helping to change the landscape and profile of the profession,” says Carly Allen. “Seeing how much this means to the women involved, has been particularly rewarding. There’s been lots of laughter and a few happy tears,” she adds.
Once on the job, the women are further supported to succeed via a mentoring and coaching program that fosters connection across multiple sites.
Participants from the female pre-employment program share their experiences with our leader's forum group.
Thinking outside the box
In a market where skilled talent is a precious commodity, thinking outside the box is necessary. Employers must have a clear and compelling offering, sometimes embracing unconventional approaches to attract, nurture, and keep their people.
The Tunnelling and Infrastructure Academy is one such example. The innovative facility and accompanying training program highlight that Gamuda’s success extends beyond the structures it builds. It can also be measured by the way in which it cultivates and nurtures its people.
At The Safe Step, we believe that great things can happen in the world of work when people find their people. Ideas come to life, ventures succeed, and strong cultures are created.
As Australia’s leading recruitment and search consultancy dedicated to the health, safety, wellbeing and environment profession, we partner with businesses to create better ways to build and grow successful teams. Contact our team if you would like support.
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