It’s a big change to go from shearing sheep and collecting eggs in regional Western Australia to building in Perth, but it’s one Aboriginal trainee Bevan Yates has taken on with open arms.

Bevan is one of around 30 Aboriginal employees making the most of job opportunities on the METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link Project – and he’s looking forward to a promising future and enjoying the team spirit and inclusiveness of the job.

“One of the things I enjoy most about my job is doing something different every day and learning new skills,” Bevan said.

“I work with a great bunch of people and it makes me want to come to work each day. It’s also pleasing to see Aboriginal culture celebrated on the project. It makes me feel included, recognised and valued,” he said.

With approximately $11 million of onsite services awarded to Aboriginal businesses, the project is exceeding Aboriginal procurement and employment targets.

Excavation works, plant hire, fuel supply and cleaning are just some of the site services being provided, and job opportunities vary from plant operators to labourers. 

Aboriginal procurement and employment targets for the project are underpinned by the METRONET Gnarla Biddi (Our Pathways) Strategy, a long-term commitment to embed genuine engagement with the Aboriginal community across the METRONET program of works.