BESIX Watpac sets Savanah’s career trajectory

Savanah researched what might be available to her and as the school terms rolled by, she found herself attracted to the electrical trades.

“I read about electrical trades during year 9 and I set my sights on electrical engineering,” Savanah explained.

But for a year 9 student in Weipa, the road to an electrical engineering career must have seemed daunting.

By year 10, Savanah had discovered NRL Cowboys House in Townsville and the remarkable work they do providing a secure home environment for Indigenous children from remote communities who want to pursue their education in Townsville.

Savanah is in year 10 at Kirwan State High School and through her residency at Cowboys House, was introduced to the team from BESIX Watpac’s Townsville office. The path was set for her to apply for a BESIX Watpac traineeship and now as the successful applicant, she’s embarking on a formal traineeship under the guidance of registered training organisation Axial and supported by local Australian Apprenticeship Support Network MEGT.

“I’m really excited! I’m confident the traineeship will lead to an apprenticeship and hopefully one day, electrical engineering,” Savanah said.

“My family are so proud. My dad, grandmother and little sister are back home in Old Mapoon and they’re really excited for me, and my brother is here with me at Cowboys House”.

Under the traineeship, Savanah will work one day a week on the JCU Technology Innovation Complex construction project where she will complete a Certificate III in Business while gaining onsite experience in the construction industry.

It’s just the beginning of her career journey but a tangible link to achieving her dream to become an electrical engineer.