Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES), Australia’s largest recruitment service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, is attempting to change the narrative when it comes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in the construction industry.

In the last 12 months, AES has trained over 100 Aboriginal women in the Construction industry through its intensive pre-employment programs such as iCivil, iTradies and iTraffic.

Of these women, 75 have secured full-time careers in the Construction Industry, while the other 20 have secured casual employment on major projects sites around Sydney. 

Wiradjuri sisters Tara and Tarni Probert-Roberts are examples of the AES traineeship success story.

Born and raised in Camden, both women held full-time positions in the Childcare industry for more than six years before taking the leap into the Construction Industry.

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Tara was 28 years old when she decided to change her career direction.

“I felt that I had reached my limit with Childcare and not enjoying my time there as much," she said.

"I wanted something to challenge myself with and learn new things."

It wasn't long before Tarni decided to follow in her sister’s footsteps, enrolling in the iTradie Program through AES.

“I needed a change in career, to challenge myself and grow new skills," she said.

"After seeing how well my sister was doing within her career in Civil Construction, it really motivated me to take a chance and start a new journey”.

Tara graduated with a Trainee of the Year nomination in her region and state, while receiving the Trainee of the Year runner-up for the country.

She said the recognition "helped cement" that she had made the right choice in changing careers.

Tara was able to complete a Certificate 3 in Civil Construction and is now a Dogger (directing and advising Crane Operators) and Labourer working on the new M5 in St Peters, Sydney.

Her sister has also seen her hard work and self-determination transform her dreams into a reality.

After completing her Certificate 1 in Construction through AES iTradie program Tarni applied for a position at Lendlease Crown Resorts, Barangaroo as a Procurement Advisor.

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Tarni’s interview was successful and she became the first AES Trainee to be employed by Lendlease directly.

This achievement was followed by Tarni receiving the first Les Tobler Program Excellence Award at the 2018 AES Graduation.

She said she was proud to contrbute to change within the industry.

“I feel like times are changing and it’s becoming a women’s world.

"I am excited to see what is in store for the future of women in Construction.

“I advise my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters to apply for a role in the Civil Construction industry as it’s a very rewarding career.

"All you have to do is take a leap of faith outside your comfort zone.”

AES CEO Kristy Masella, who has worked in Aboriginal Affairs for more than 30 years across many portfolios in both New South Wales, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, described Tara and Tarni as "pioneers".

“Tara Roberts and Tarni Probert-Roberts are paving the way for future generations to come," she said.

“They are both exceptional role models for women and proving you can do anything with self-determination, commitment and their achievements are well deserved.

“I’m excited about breaking into other male-dominated industries, and carving out new career opportunities for women.  

"Lady Tradies are just the beginning!”

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