ARMIDALE Regional Council is building a sustainable workforce while creating real career opportunities for women through a new civil construction apprenticeship initiative, the Building Futures program.

Four women have recently commenced apprenticeships at council as the first cohort of the Building Futures program.

They will complete their qualifications as a group, rotating through key operational areas including Parks, Transport, Capital Works and Regional Roads.

Building Futures builds on ARC’s successful Girls in Civil program and has been made possible thanks to funding via the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program.

Alongside additional training investment from ARC, the funding will fast-track the trainees’ professional development and strengthen the region’s local capability.

Armidale Regional Council is building a sustainable workforce while creating real career opportunities for women through the Building Futures program.

According to ARC’s executive manager people and culture Annie Harris, the Building Futures initiative responds to ongoing challenges.

“Recruitment in civil construction is tough. Good operators are hard to find and harder to keep, and crews are stretched thin,” Ms Harris said.

“This program offers a practical solution, creating trained job-ready workers while building a strong pipeline for the future. Excitingly, it also creates a structured pathway for women to build a career in civil construction.”

Each six-month rotation provides broad, hands-on experience while benefiting stretched council crews. The group-based theory training will reduce disruption to daily operations, allowing apprentices to complete most classroom components together.

“The dedicated funding supports the targeted training, and apprentices will achieve their tickets and licences as well as specialised skills,” Ms Harris said.

“This new crew will be valuable contributors to operational teams very quickly.”

The Building Futures program forms part of council’s broader Blueprint to Balance plan, which includes the future establishment of an all-female road maintenance crew; targeted recruitment in partnership with local training providers and women’s organisations; and comprehensive training and mentoring from experienced staff.

Over time, the program will help develop a more diverse and resilient workforce.

“This initiative is not just about filling roles, it is about building capability, supporting communities, and creating meaningful career pathways,” Ms Harris said.

“By investing in people, council is helping shape a stronger, more inclusive future for both the organisation and the region.”