By William Phillips
2024 Roads Australia Promise, Passion and Pursuit Award Winner
Graduate Construction Advisor – BMD Constructions
Australia’s infrastructure industry presents a wealth of opportunities for young people starting their careers, but ensuring they feel supported from the outset is of the utmost importance. This year, I’ve had the privilege of working with Roads Australia to focus on how we can better assist young professionals to thrive in the industry.
The aim is to reduce the challenges faced by professionals entering the industry to better meet the demands of future projects and boost productivity across job sites and the industry at large. By streamlining the entry process, new and emerging talent can contribute more effectively from the start, enhancing overall project outcomes.
Pictured (left to right): Nitin Kumar – Komatsu, Achillieas Delinikolis – Komatsu , William Phillips – BMD, Martin Moreau – Komatsu, Olivia Robinson – Komatsu, Zeb Lupson – Komatsu
Over the past four months, I’ve explored where we stand as an industry when it comes to offering support and development opportunities for young talent. There are many fantastic programs in place, but it’s clear that some young professionals still miss out on the guidance they need. Starting my own career as a labourer, I’ve seen firsthand the value of a strong support network. My experiences have taught me that young people, particularly those in hands-on roles, can sometimes be overlooked or miss out on the encouragement and mentorship they need to flourish.
Pictured (left to right): Achillieas Delinikolis – Komatsu, Olivia Robinson – Komatsu, William Phillips – BMD, Nitin Kumar – Komatsu, Zeb Lupson – Komatsu
In my discussions with various companies, I’ve seen a broad spectrum of approaches to nurturing young professionals. Some organisations provide structured mentorship programs and regular check-ins, while others may not yet have those systems in place. One thing is clear, though – when organisations invest in their young people, everyone benefits. A strong mentorship culture not only empowers young professionals but also enhances workplace morale, long-term productivity and sets the industry up for long term success.
Pictured (left to right): William Phillips, Zeb Lupson
The role of a manager is key. Effective leadership for young leaders is about developing and supporting the team. The positive impact a good manager can have on a young professional’s confidence and career progression is immense. By investing time in regular communication, offering opportunities for growth, and providing feedback, managers can build a team that feels valued, motivated, and capable of delivering their best work.
Pictured (left to right): William Phillips, Nitin Kumar
A standout example of this is Komatsu Australia, a Roads Australia member I recently visited. From the moment I met their apprentices at the Campbellfield, Victoria branch, it was clear they were enthusiastic and genuinely enjoyed their work. Komatsu’s success in creating such an environment stem from their commitment to learning and development. Their apprentices have access to one-on-one mentoring with experienced mechanics, as well as an extensive learning management system they can utilise at any time. This initiative not only complements their TAFE studies but also provides them with practical, hands-on experience.
The apprentices, Zeb, Olivia, and Nitin, all expressed how supported they feel by their managers, who maintain an open-door policy, making it easy for them to seek advice and guidance. Komatsu’s approach, which includes monthly manager check-ins and challenging projects like independently rebuilding a dozer, is a great example of how empowering young professionals can be highly beneficial for both the individual and the company. As Achilleas, the workshop’s leading hand, put it: “When people feel supported, they’re more engaged and more willing to give their best.”
Throughout my discussions with young professionals across the industry and from my own experience, a consistent theme has emerged: when people feel valued and trusted with responsibility, they grow in confidence and capability. Managers play an important role in fostering this growth. By treating young professionals as integral members of the teams they serve, they unlock a wealth of potential. What’s more, organisations that prioritise the development of their young talent often see better retention, improved morale, and long-term prosperity within their teams.
Pictured (left to right): William Phillips, Olivia Robinson
This work is ongoing and is currently being overseen in partnership with Professor Luke Downey from Wellness in Infrastructure (wellnessii.org.au) and Swinburne University in Melbourne, and I’m excited about the potential for further collaboration. If anyone is interested in contributing to this conversation or has insights they’d like to share, I welcome you to reach out to me at William.phillips@bmd.com.au.
Thank you.