Kayla Aucote lives in Swan Reach, Gippsland, and worked as a barista before swapping the cappuccinos for steel toe boots to build the Newry Pipeline.
The 23-kilometre pipeline will replace 100-year-old channels with new pipelines and automated outlets. It’s being delivered as part of Phase 2 Macalister Irrigation District modernisation program.
Kayla works as a labourer for our delivery partner, Jaydo, and has committed to completing an apprenticeship with the company on our project.
She always wanted to work in construction because she loves being in the outdoors and learning in an environment where no two days are the same.
“It can be difficult to land a job in construction if you’ve got no experience,” she said.
“However, Southern Rural Water’s project that Jaydo is delivering, has given me a great opportunity to develop my career,” Kayla said.
Jaydo is supporting Kayla to study a Certificate 3 in Civil Construction and she’s looking forward to getting deeper knowledge and skills from the course that she can apply to her work.
“This qualification will support my on the job learning and teach me how to operate more heavy machinery safely and use more tools and techniques to build different kinds of infrastructure,” she said.
“I feel happy to be working with a company who’s investing in me. It’s giving me more confidence and skills to be able to contribute more to the team and the project.
“Since joining the project I’ve completed several accreditations. I’ve gained new skills in crane operation, GPS surveying equipment and how irrigation systems work,” she said.
Victoria is investing billions of dollars in infrastructure and Kayla said this offers great opportunities for young people to get a career in construction.
“I’ve got friends who also work on this project, and we feel lucky to have rewarding work that’s on the doorstep,” she said.
“If you love building tangible things that make a positive difference to people’s lives, then there’s never been a better time to work in major infrastructure construction.”
Victoria produces 64% of Australia’s milk, 22% of Australia’s vegetables and is the second largest horticultural producer in the country. Modernising water delivery systems and providing farmers with the infrastructure they need to grow food in a changing climate is critical to ensure a thriving agriculture sector and future food security.
“Working on this project, I feel like I’m part of the solution and proud that I’m building a legacy that will benefit my community for year to come,” she said.
The modernisation of the Macalister Irrigation District is jointly funded by Southern Rural Water, the Commonwealth Government through the National Water Grid Fund and the Victorian Government.