Clontarf partnership shaping young lives through water

An inspiring new partnership between the Clontarf Foundation and SA Water is creating cross-cultural learning opportunities and career pathways for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, with the program’s first SA Water trainee up and running in Whyalla.

Based in Perth, the Clontarf Foundation operates 139 academies embedded in schools throughout Australia to support the education, growth and wellbeing of young men, while partnering with organisations to foster future employment prospects.

The traineeships are being established for current and past Clontarf participants in SA Water’s field operations team, with two more opportunities planned at other regional locations across the state.

Clontarf Foundation’s South Australia Regional Manager Ian Taylor said their current participant, Darryl, was gaining tangible work experience on his journey towards a thriving career.

“Our organisation exists to support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men by equipping them with the confidence and skills they need to transition into meaningful employment and flourish in their lives,” Ian said.

“The breadth of work Darryl is exposed to, such as excavation and pipe laying, is helping him learn diverse technical skills that can be transferred across industries, enhancing his future employment prospects.

“Darryl is also receiving invaluable mentoring through the guidance and role modelling of his SA Water team members and leaders, which is helping him foster discipline, life skills and self-esteem.

"These traineeships can be life-changing, and we’re thrilled to see our young men thriving in new roles which are contributing to the provision of an essential service for their communities.”

SA Water’s Trainee and Clontarf Foundation participant Darryl Hallett said along with building his professional capabilities, the new role was an important source of routine and stability.

“I’m enjoying working at SA Water and feel really supported by my team, who are helping me gain a range of new experiences I’ll carry with me throughout my career,” Darryl said.

“Earning my own money and having financial independence has given me a real sense of pride, and I would encourage other students to put yourself out there and be the best version of yourself.”

In addition to the traineeships, SA Water’s staff based in Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Whyalla and Port Augusta have attended Clontarf training sessions and breakfasts around the state to chat to current participants about their experiences and roles in the water industry.

SA Water’s General Manager of Operations Chris Young said the new partnership is another step forward in a shared journey towards reconciliation.

“We’re proud to be developing a meaningful partnership with the Clontarf Foundation, which is empowering young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island men through a career in the water industry,” Chris said.

“As a large employer with operations across the state, we have a role to play in helping bridge the economic gap, and creating employment pathways for young people is one of the many initiatives we’re supporting.

“We’re now exploring other areas of our organisation to offer Clontarf participants with a variety of options for work experience as part of our commitment to delivering a further two traineeships over the coming months.

“The partnership is also enabling cross-cultural learning opportunities for our people, who are expanding their own knowledge of Aboriginal culture, which is vital to embedding reconciliation.”

Contact:

Phone:

Email: