Starting an EPIC adventure

In mid October, our latest cohort of EPIC cadets kick-started their 18-month program.

This year’s Engineering Pathway Industry Cadetship cohort consists of 15 cadets from asylum seeker and refugee backgrounds, many of whom bring years of civil and mechanical engineering experience from their home countries. They were selected from over 100 applicants through a rigorous recruitment process that included a written engineering case study, participation in a recruitment centre, and individual interviews with potential employers.

The cadets started their program with site tours of our level crossing removal projects at Croydon and Diggers Rest, a Safety Day and mandatory training required to gain their Rail Industry Worker Card, led by Metro Academy.

Cadets also heard from John Cilia, Alliance General Manager with SEPA, who praised the program for the opportunities it provides for both host organisations and the cadets.

“Involvement in this program means we reap the rewards of bringing talented engineers into our projects. It gives us a direct link to engineers who already have a passion for our profession, who just need an opportunity to break into the sector. It also ensures that as leaders, we harness learnings around what it is to create diverse and inclusive work cultures, breaking down the traditional stereotypes that go with our industry that are changing with time,” John said.

“Initiatives such as the EPIC program are vital to the ongoing success of the way in which we build and deliver infrastructure projects.”

Preparing the foundations

As part of the introductory program, cadets also took part in 3 days of work readiness training, led by Rouzbeh Nabipourshiri, a Program Manager from CareerSeekers .

CareerSeekers is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to creating professional employment opportunities for refugees and people seeking asylum.

For the EPIC program, CareerSeekers support the cohort by facilitating this training prior to the commencement of their employment, as well as providing continued support across the first three months of the cadetship.

In this training, cadets cover topics including an introduction to typical Australian workplaces, developing a personal pitch to build networks and how to communicate effectively with their new colleagues.

First impressions

For new cadets Arnold Nkasi, Asmaa Al-Taie?and Said Nur, the first weeks of the EPIC program have been ‘incredibly exciting’, ‘memorable’, ‘inspiring’, ‘helpful’ and ‘surprising’.

Arnold Nkasi, who will undertake a cadetship with the Department of Transport and Planning , applied for the program for the ‘greatest positive life transformation’ it offers.

“I’m looking forward to deepening my skills and knowledge in engineering while building connections,” Arnold said.

?“My first week in the program was particularly insightful, hearing from former EPIC participants. Their stories helped me understand what to expect, and the guidance from experienced professionals, really inspired me.”

Said Nur, one of the new Level Crossing Removal Project EPIC cadets, felt that the support from the team in the first few weeks was “reassuring”, building his confidence in his abilities to work in the construction industry.

Asmaa Al-Taie, who has been placed at V/Line , shared a similar sentiment, saying that the first weeks’ focus on personal challenges and successes, as shared by former cadets and industry guests on a panel discussion, was “very helpful and interesting”.

“I’m looking forward to gaining practical experience on real transportation projects and learning directly from professionals in the field,” Asmaa said.

“I want to develop my skills and gain practical experience in civil engineering while working on real transportation projects.”

Learn more

Learn more about the EPIC program on our website.