ACCIONA recently hosted a series of educational visits at the M80 Ring Road Completion project in Melbourne to introduce students from Victoria and Western Australia to career pathways in construction and the role of sustainability in major infrastructure projects.

Ben Henshall, Operations Director, opened the sessions by outlining the scope of the M80 Ring Road Completion and its connection to the broader North East Link Program.

“These visits give students a real-world perspective on how infrastructure projects are delivered and the opportunities available to them,” Mr Henshall said.

“By engaging with future engineers and First Nations students, we are helping build a diverse and skilled workforce for the industry.”

The first visit welcomed six Indigenous female students from Thornbury High School as part of the Deadly Sista Girlz initiative, run by the Waalitj Foundation and supported by Pinsent Masons.

The program empowers First Nations girls to make informed decisions about education and careers. Students heard from ACCIONA team members, including Indigenous staff, who shared their experiences in safety, training, and Aboriginal business engagement.

The group also toured the Nell Street pedestrian bridge and learned about upcoming milestones such as the installation of the new truss bridge.

Six Year 12 students from Yiramalay Studio School in Western Australia visited the project through a partnership with Heidelberg Materials. Located north of Fitzroy Crossing, the school aims to broaden students’ horizons beyond their remote community.

The visit included presentations from ACCIONA staff on career pathways and a site tour, followed by a BBQ lunch. Students gained insight into the complexity of road and rail works and the rewarding nature of construction careers.

Around 20 engineering students from La Trobe University attended a sustainability-focused session organised by the M80 sustainability team.

The group learned how sustainable practices are embedded in the project, including the use of glass fibre-reinforced polymer on pedestrian bridge decks and landscaped bridge designs. Representatives from ACCIONA, SPARK, and the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority discussed sustainability targets and collaboration across projects.

Students also explored the tunnelling package and observed works during the Road and Rail Blitz.

Tim Myles, Social Sustainability Manager, emphasised the importance of these initiatives.

“Connecting students with our people and projects demonstrates the breadth of opportunities in construction,” Mr Myles said.

“Whether through sustainability, engineering, or community engagement, these experiences inspire the next generation to consider careers in infrastructure.”

ACCIONA will continue to deliver programs that promote diversity, education, and sustainability, ensuring major projects create lasting benefits for communities and future industry leaders.