NAIDOC Week highlights Elisabeth's path into carpentry
Elisabeth, a proud Birpai Dunghutti woman, is completing a carpentry apprenticeship at Future Form after entering the industry through the We Build Bright Futures pre-employment programme.
Her story was shared during NAIDOC Week, which celebrates the achievements, resilience and contributions of First Nations peoples across Australia.
She now works on some of Sydney’s largest projects, although she once doubted she would ever join construction.
“I failed timber in Year 12 and never thought I’d end up in construction,” Elisabeth said.
The turning point came when We Build Bright Futures gave her the chance to interview with Future Form.
At first, she almost did not apply because the role was in formwork, and she had never seen a woman working in that part of construction.
Future Form apprenticeship pathway
Elisabeth took the interview and joined site as the only female apprentice, where the first days felt intimidating.
Profile, site leaders, mentors and team members helped her build confidence and learn new skills.
She is now finishing her carpentry apprenticeship and says the trade has become a career she genuinely loves.
“Comparing where I started to where I am now, it’s a complete difference. I’m proud of myself for the growth,” Elisabeth said.
Future Form managing director Nabil Hafza has built the company’s reputation around investing in people as well as projects.
Elisabeth said that support showed from day one through time, attention and care while she learned the job.
Nabil Hafza said Elisabeth’s progress shows what can happen when employers back young Australians and create pathways for people from different backgrounds.
“We are incredibly proud of what she has achieved and what she represents for the future of our industry,” he said.
During NAIDOC Week, her experience linked First Nations representation with practical training, formwork experience and long-term work in Sydney.
On site, Elisabeth represents her culture while building a construction career through Future Form and the We Build Bright Futures programme.
