In a world-first, an all-women tunnel boring machine crew will work on Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop East twin tunnels, and expressions of interest are now open for you to get on board.
Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East Tunnels South Construction Manager Isolde Piet, who was the first female TBM pilot in the world, will lead the crew.
“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,” Isolde Piet said.
The highly-skilled crew of 25 will include a TBM operator, gantry and segment crane operators and support roles and is expected to be operating by 2027. The crew will be one of eight operating four TBMs digging the SRL East twin tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley. At least 10% of total labour hours on the twin tunnels will be worked by women. Tunnelling will start in 2026.
Previous experience is not necessary, so women in other industries outside of construction and tunnelling and those starting their careers are encouraged to apply as comprehensive training will be given.
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.
The first stage of the SRL will deliver six new underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill with works already underway. Construction of SRL East is expected to create 8000 jobs. More than 1400 are already working on the project. Crews are currently moving underground services, building TBM launch sites and preparing sites for major construction.
Expressions of Interest to be part of the all-female TBM crew, and other roles can be registered at suburbanrailloop.vic.gov.au/jobs
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.