In a world first, an all-women tunnel boring machine (TBM) crew will help build the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East twin tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley – with Expressions of Interest now open for those who want to be a part of this city shaping project.
Minister for Suburban Rail Loop Danny Pearson joined national and international experts at the Victorian Tunnelling Centre, to outline the training, recruitment and development program for the all-women crew.
SRL East Tunnels South Construction Manager Isolde Piet will lead the highly-skilled crew of 25 which include a TBM operator, gantry and segment crane operators and support roles – opening up careers in construction for a new generation of women.
“This is an example of the incredible opportunities a project like Suburban Rail Loop can deliver – an all-female tunnelling crew is a global first that will break down barriers and create new pathways for women,” Pearson said.
“Suburban Rail Loop will not only transform our public transport network, but it will create a long pipeline of jobs and opportunity for all Victorians.”
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is open to young women looking to start their careers or wanting to change industries.
At least 10 per cent of total labour hours on the tunnels will be worked by women – with tunnelling to start in 2026 and trains taking passengers by 2035.
Tunnel Boring Machine Pilot Isolde Piet spoke about the project.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of this incredible project and this history-making initiative, which I hope will encourage many more women to join the industry,” she said.
This world first is the culmination of the Government’s decade long work to improve gender equality right across its major projects and transport sectors.
From Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel, North East Link and now Suburban Rail Loop – our continued investment in skills and training for women has meant that more women now have more opportunities to work across our Big Build Projects.
The first stage of the SRL will deliver six new underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill, which will slash travel times and congestion – while connecting people to 70,000 new homes, hundreds of thousands more jobs and world-class public services across Melbourne’s east and southeast.
Expressions of Interest to be part of the all-female TBM crew, and other roles on this city-shaping project, can be registered at suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au/jobs.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins spoke about what this means for the state.
“Our all-female led TBM crew is a world first and will encourage more women to take part in our thriving construction industry.”
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