BMD and Stars to help First Nations girls and young women build careers

Through the partnership, BMD will assist Stars students in exploring careers in construction by creating meaningful connections to people, projects and opportunities in the industry.

Established in 2015, Stars Foundation currently mentors and empowers more than 4,300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women through programs in more than 80 partner schools across Australia.

Building on Star’s school-based mentoring programs, BMD employees are connecting with students at the Stars Futures Forums throughout August and September this year, giving them insight into the diverse careers available across engineering, construction, trades, project delivery, environment, safety, community engagement and corporate services.  

BMD employees will share their own career journeys, provide guidance on opportunities beyond school and help Stars students understand the different pathways into the construction and infrastructure sector.

The partnership supports BMD’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan employment commitments and its broader focus on increasing First Nations and female participation in construction.

In Townsville, where BMD has an ongoing need to develop future local talent, the partnership is supporting six Year 11 and 12 Stars students with driving lessons and licence application fees through Construction Skills Queensland's Social Inclusion funding. This assistance will increase their independence and improve access to education, training and employment opportunities.

BMD Indigenous Program Manager Dart Johnson said the partnership would provide girls and young women with practical insight into careers across the industry.

“This partnership gives us a valuable way to engage with students early, show them the breadth of careers involved in delivering infrastructure and connect their interests with pathways into further study, training and employment,” Mr Johnson said.

“That early engagement is particularly important in regions such as Townsville, where developing local workforce capability is critical to our future pipeline. By working with Stars Foundation, we can better understand students’ needs, help remove barriers and support more young women to pursue rewarding careers in the industry.”

Stars Foundation Founder and CEO, Andrea Goddard, said the partnership would provide students with information, role models and opportunities as they prepare for life after school.

“Stars Foundation mentor and empower First Nations young women across Australia to complete school and make active choices towards realising their full potential,” Andrea Goddard said.

“Funding through partnerships allows us to continue offering holistic, wrap-around support that equip our students with the tools to succeed at school and make active choices about their future. Together we are championing gender equity and equal opportunities for First Nations girls, while building confidence and life skills. 

“Partnering with BMD gives students direct access to people working across construction and infrastructure, helping them understand roles and pathways they may not previously have considered.

“BMD is listening to our students and responding with tangible support. For many young people, obtaining a driver licence is a significant step towards greater independence for Stars students. This initiative opens up a young woman’s access to education, training, employment and future career opportunities.” 

Beyond Stars Foundation’s Futures Forums, BMD and Stars will work together to deliver office and project site visits, mentoring, work experience and connections to further study, tailored to students' interests and opportunities available within their region.

Through sustained engagement and practical career experiences, the partnership aims to build confidence, broaden students’ understanding of the industry and support more First Nations girls and young women to pursue careers in construction and infrastructure.