Thiess hosts Clontarf WA academies at Head Office in Brisbane

In October, Thiess hosted ten year 12 Students from Clontarf academies in WA, at its head office in Brisbane as part of the students’ end-of-year trip.

The Clontarf Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to improve the education, discipline, self-esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. The Foundation partners with schools and communities through ‘Clontarf academies’, which are embedded within school and education programs, helping support meaningful employment and opportunities post-school.

As part of our ongoing partnership, Thiess engages with Clontarf academies to introduce students to our business and provide exposure to potential employment opportunities and pathways before they graduate high school.

During the visit, team members from across the Thiess Group took part in a speed networking session with the students from Collie Senior High School and Newton Moore Senior High School, which was an engaging way to break the ice and learn more about each other.

The students then delivered a presentation about the Clontarf Foundation, highlighting education, leadership, wellbeing, employment and sport initiatives.

To round off the visit, our team members and the students shared morning tea and played ball games, bringing out some competitive streaks for Clontarf and Thiess!

Reflecting on the day, Ryan Kirkwood, Thiess Group Execitve Assets & Autonomy (Acting) said: “I was particularly impressed with the engagement of the students and the opportunities Clontarf Academy provides.

Many had jobs already had jobs already lined up, and all had a clear idea of what they wanted to do as next steps with life skills and employment opportunities. The students are empowered to make positivie choices, which is why the program continues to enhance education, employment prospects and the overall wellbeing of young Indigenous students in regional areas.”

Thiess has been a proud Clontarf partner since 2018, supporting the Foundation to deliver its education program.

Thiess Head of Corporate Technical Services Caoilin Chestnutt said: “Thiess is delighted to support this wonderful initative. Their energy, enthusiasm and camaraderie were inspiring, and it was great to meet a number of the students —all impressive young men and role models for their community.”

In 2024, approximately 11,000 students will participate in a Clontarf programme with 158 Clontarf academies operating nationally. This year, 1,000 year 12 students partcipated in the program.