South Australian Aboriginal Building & Civil Construction Academy

18/02/2026

One of many powerful examples of the success of our Aboriginal Youth Pathways to Employment program, delivered in collaboration with the Department of Human Services SA.

This program supports young Aboriginal people within the justice system through culturally safe training, mentoring and meaningful employment pathways - helping them build confidence, develop skills and plan for a more positive future.

You can read more about Corey’s journey below.

At 18, Corey says his future feels “ten thousand times better” after joining DHS’ Aboriginal Youth Pathways to Employment program, following a referral from his Community Youth Justice case manager.

Through culturally safe training and real work opportunities with industry partners, Corey has gained new skills, achieved greater confidence and gained a clear pathway forward.

Read Corey’s full story: dhs.sa.gov.au/news/2026/building-pride-purpose-pathway-forward

15/12/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us at this year’s Gala. It was a wonderful night of connection, celebration, and shared purpose.

We recognised the achievements of our apprentices, acknowledged the outstanding contributions of our partners, heard from inspiring speakers, and celebrated the 14 new Apprentice Pledges made on the night. Each moment highlighted the collective effort behind creating meaningful opportunities for Aboriginal jobseekers across South Australia.

We’re grateful to all attendees, partners, and supporters for your ongoing commitment. Your involvement continues to strengthen pathways, open doors, and create lasting impact.

Thank you for being part of this important work. We look forward to another year of progress and collaboration in 2026 and beyond.

11/12/2025

This year’s Gala honoured two outstanding apprentices whose achievements embody resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity.

🏆 Herbertia – Apprentice of the Year

A First Nations woman thriving in a male-dominated trade, Herbertia has completed her four-year plumbing apprenticeship - defying national completion trends. With grit, courage, and strong support from the Academy and her host employer, she now steps into a full-time role and is preparing to complete her Certificate IV in Plumbing. She is passionate about inspiring other First Nations women to pursue careers in the trades.

🏆 Shakeem – Apprentice of the Year

A proud Kaurna and Narungga man, Shakeem has completed his electrical apprenticeship, continuing his family legacy as a sparky. His journey, marked by perseverance through ups and downs, taught him that an apprenticeship is an investment of time and effort. Now fully qualified, he aspires to one day run his own company and mentor Aboriginal youth, paying forward the opportunity he received.

Congratulations to both Herbertia and Shakeem.

09/12/2025

This year’s Gala brought together leaders and change makers who share a commitment to strengthening workforce diversity, expanding training opportunities, and creating meaningful pathways for Aboriginal jobseekers. We were honoured to welcome an exceptional lineup of key note speakers.

Hon Andrew Giles MP – Minister for Skills and Training

Mr. Giles brought a powerful message about opportunity, equity, and the role of skills development in shaping Australia’s future workforce. He spoke passionately about expanding trade training to meet industry demand and advancing Aboriginal workforce participation - reflecting the Australian Government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.

Hon Nat Cook MP

We were also privileged to hear from Hon Nat Cook MP, whose unwavering dedication to community wellbeing and social inclusion added depth and perspective to the evening. Her words reinforced the importance of creating safe, supportive pathways that empower Aboriginal individuals and families to thrive.

Matt Toner – Chief of Staff to the CEO, Incolink

Matt rounded out the speaker lineup with a compelling address on industry responsibility in building fair, inclusive and sustainable employment opportunities. His insights highlighted the critical role of collaboration between industry, government, and training partners in creating long-term change.

Together, our speakers set a powerful vision for the year ahead.

07/12/2025

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for the recent Empower and Employ Gala. We’re grateful to all who attended and to those who helped make the celebration possible.

04/12/2025

One of the most powerful moments of our recent Empower & Employ Gala was the collective commitment shown through our Apprenticeship Pledge. We invited industry partners to once again step forward and commit to creating new Aboriginal Apprenticeships - and we are proud to share that this year, 14 pledges were made.

These pledges reflect a shared understanding that true investment goes beyond financial contribution. It’s about changing lives, shaping futures, and creating opportunities that endure.

A heartfelt thank you to every company that raised their hand. Together, we are building stronger, more inclusive futures for Aboriginal communities - one apprenticeship at a time.

The opportunity for your company to make a difference is still open 👉 Make your Apprentice Pledge here: https://abccacademy.com.au/gala-apprenticeship-pledge/

01/12/2025

At our recent Empower & Employ Gala, we recognised three outstanding program partners whose collaboration has strengthened Aboriginal workforce participation and created meaningful career pathways across South Australia.

🏆 Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA Infrastructure and Transport)

Honoured for their leadership in the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Program, which has placed 10 Aboriginal apprentices and trainees with host employers. This partnership is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, culturally informed workforce development in South Australia.

🏆 Tram Grade Separation Project

Acknowledged for their commitment to creating real career pathways through our recruitment partnership, supporting qualifications in Certificate III Plumbing, Electrotechnology, Civil Construction, and Business & Administration. This collaboration has opened doors to long-term careers in the construction industry.

🏆 The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC)

Recognised for the Earn While You Learn Program, delivered with TNC and the RAW Group. Over six weeks, participants undertook paid, on-country training in land restoration, seed collection, planting, and plant care - building confidence, cultural connection, and pathways into land management and civil works.

These award recipients have helped lay a strong foundation for future growth and continue to champion opportunities that support Aboriginal jobseekers into sustainable careers.

26/11/2025

Pleased to support The South Australian Aboriginal Building & Civil Construction Academy at their Gala tonight.

19/11/2025

The 2025 Academy Gala is almost here, and we couldn’t be more excited!

We look forward to welcoming our sold-out attendees for an unforgettable evening, celebrating the incredible progress made in empowering and employing Aboriginal jobseekers.

By supporting Aboriginal workforce participation on projects taking place on their ancestral lands, we not only uplift communities but also contribute to the growth of the broader economy.

A heartfelt thank you to our Gala Major Sponsor - Incolink, and to our Event Sponsors – SKS Indigenous Technologies, Windsor Management Insurance Brokers, Return to Work SA, AGL, Fulton Hogan, PPTEU, BHP, and Walker. Your support makes this event possible.

We can’t wait to see you this Friday night from 6:15pm onwards.

12/11/2025

Actions Speak Louder: 10 New Apprenticeships

Building on the success of last year’s initiative, we’re challenging companies to step up once again by pledging new Aboriginal Apprenticeships.

The ripple effect of just one apprenticeship is profound: it creates economically independent households, strengthens the broader economy, and empowers Aboriginal parents to role model positive behaviours for generations to come.

True investment goes beyond dollars - this is your company’s chance to make a lasting difference that money can’t buy. Together, we can build stronger futures for Aboriginal communities.

If you’d like to pledge an Aboriginal Apprenticeship prior to the 2025 Academy Gala, you can do so here: https://abccacademy.com.au/gala-apprenticeship-pledge/

🎟️ Tickets: SOLD OUT - contact [email protected] or Janet Doolan on (08) 8312 5700 to be placed on the waitlist.
⭐ Gala Major Sponsor: Incolink
⭐ Event Sponsors: SKS Indigenous Technologies, Fulton Hogan, Windsor Management Insurance Brokers, Return to Work SA, AGL, PPTEU, BHP and Walker Corporation.
🏆 Awards Announcements – Celebrating achievements in Aboriginal workforce participation
🎤 Keynote Address – Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills & Training
😂 Comedy & MC – Steph Tisdell, one of Australia’s brightest comedy talents
🌟 Networking & Celebration – Connect with industry, community, and government partners

06/11/2025

2025 has been a massive year for the Academy, culminating in our upcoming Gala event!

We are proud to have partnered in recruitment for the Tram Grade Separation Project.

Through this partnership, the Academy has not only supported project delivery but has also created real career pathways through Certificate III Plumbing, Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician, Certificate III Civil Construction and Certificate III in Business & Administration.

This collaboration reflects the Academy’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal workforce participation, developing skills, and opening doors to meaningful careers in South Australia’s construction industry.

We can’t wait to celebrate this success, alongside many others, at the 2025 Academy Gala!

📅 Date: Friday, 21st November | 6:30pm
📍 Location: National Wine Centre
🎟️ Tickets: SOLD OUT - contact [email protected] or Janet Doolan on (08) 8312 5700 to be placed on the waitlist.
⭐ Gala Major Sponsor: Incolink