Inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders
As part of Holcim’s Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, since 2019 we have been facilitating educational camps and site tours for Indigenous young people through a partnership with The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation.
Thanks to the Foundation’s ‘Follow the Dream’ program, more than 2,500 students have graduated through the program and transitioned into post-school pathways, including university, TAFE, apprenticeships and direct employment, working to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Most recently, we conducted the ‘Build yourself with Holcim’ onsite experience which saw students in the Perth metro area participate in a site tour of our concrete batching plant and quarry at Gosnells, followed by a cultural workshop where Holcim employees shared their career paths with the students.
“Our engagement has a follow through effect on the industry as a whole. Positive interactions with students on Holcim sites may lead to future positive interactions and employment within the extractive and concrete industries,” says Mark Burke, Logistics Manager Western Australia & Northern Territory.
“As the ‘Follow the Dream’ program resides within Government schools and is accessible everywhere that Holcim operates, we have been working closely with The Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation (PFF) on several projects where we can assist the students via in-kind tutoring or structured initiatives during or after school.”
Well done to everyone involved who facilitated the tours. Our partnership with PFF is another way we foster a supportive work environment for diversity and community inclusion.
