As part of our commitment to social procurement, the M80 Ring Road Completion (M80RR) project has launched a business administration traineeship program designed to provide meaningful employment opportunities for priority jobseekers while building valuable capability across project teams.<\/p>\n
Following a recruitment drive at the Watsonia Hub in late 2024 where more than 200 applications were received from priority jobseekers, 60 applicants were invited to an information session in Bundoora.<\/p>\n
Attendees included individuals from a wide range of priority jobseeker groups including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, young long-term unemployed, people with disability, mature-age workers and ex-offenders.<\/p>\n
After a comprehensive assessment process, 22 applicants progressed to formal interviews. From this group, 15 were offered traineeship placements across a several business areas, including digital engineering, procurement, sustainability and stakeholder engagement.<\/p>\n
M80RR subcontractors and Aboriginal businesses, HDF Fleet and A2B Consumables, offered 3 valuable trainee placements.<\/p>\n
HDF Fleet is hosting a young school leaver in a business administration traineeship, while A2B has welcomed 1 trainee into a warehouse and logistics role, as well as 2 return- to-work mothers who are job-sharing a traineeship. In addition, 2 more placements have been created through a partnership with social enterprise Social Engine, focused on hospitality and service roles on site.<\/p>\n
The program commenced early in March with a 2 week onboarding and induction program. Designed to prepare trainees for the workforce, the induction covered practical skills, mental health support, and workplace readiness. A strong focus was placed on building confidence and creating a supportive learning environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing given guidance and tools with the induction courses helped to set us up for success,\u201d shared one trainee.<\/p>\n
With learning contracts, individual needs assessments, and team mentoring in place, the program supports both trainees and their host teams, with ongoing check-ins ensuring they are set up for long term success.<\/p>\n
The traineeship program is a great example of how social procurement can create meaningful pathways into the workforce, benefiting people, businesses, and the broader Victorian community.<\/p>\n