Aboriginal apprentices and trainees are working behind the scenes on maintenance and renovations across the state’s 2,000 public schools and transforming their futures and communities.

As part of School Infrastructure’s work on education facilities, the First Nations Engagement in School Infrastructure (FNESI) program was launched to encourage trade businesses to hire young Aboriginal people and help them develop skills to set them up for career success.

One of the first people to sign up to the program is proud Wiradjuri man, Tyson Hubbard, who owns Allpro Plumbing Solutions, a business that specialises in advanced drainage and water stormwater systems.

Tyson said he signed up to the FNESI to empower the next generation of Aboriginal workers.

“I grew up in a broken home and my apprenticeship changed my life,” Tyson said. “Once you get a trade, you can move on to bigger opportunities. It opens doors and no one can ever take that skill or experience away from you.”

With seven Aboriginal apprentices employed and mentored at Allpro, Tyson says FNESI has enabled him to grow his business.

“FNESI proves that with the right support, opportunity flows and so does community pride,” he said. “Increasing the number of qualified Aboriginal plumbers is the core mission of our organisation and the FNESI team share the same purpose. So together teamwork, makes the dream work.”

An aspiring third-generation tradesman, Rohan Tobler, is completing the final year of his apprenticeship at Allpro while gaining his Certificate III in Plumbing.

The Wiradjuri man is a former student of Sadlier Public School and Ashcroft High School and had the unique experience of returning to both schools for plumbing work.

“We’ve done a lot of work setting up handwashing food hygiene stations for schools in Western Sydney, including my old schools,” Rohan said. “It was great seeing a few of my old teachers and looking at the younger kids and thinking ‘that was me not too long ago,’” Rohan said.

“One of my favourite projects was installing an Aboriginal themed bubbler with artwork on it. It was such a good experience working on something that had my culture in it.”

Dharug man, Seth Brough, is a first-year plumbing apprentice who also returned to his former school at Chifley College Senior Campus to work on the toilet blocks.

“I like the hands-on learning and work in plumbing. My day involves a bit of everything, including getting on the tools, sourcing equipment at the trade store and watching the other tradespersons to learn from them,” Seth said.

Sharing advice with other Aboriginal learners, Seth said it’s important for people to not be too focused on a specific career pathway.

“If you’re unsure about what you want to do, go around, try things and follow your interests.”

For Tyson, his apprentices’ work on their schools is more than just a full-circle moment.

“It’s been such a great experience having the apprentices return to their schools, look at their education experience differently and see how it is continuing. Initiatives like FNESI are opening up the door for us to give back to the community so we can be role models and improve the schools’ infrastructure,” Tyson said.

FNESI principal program manager, Sharmika Blackman, said the program showcases the value of collaboration with industry to benefit the community.

“FNESI shows what can be achieved when partnerships are genuine, opportunities are meaningful and Aboriginal businesses are empowered to create their own futures,” Sharmika said.

“In just two years, FNESI has gone far beyond Aboriginal procurement and participation targets. It’s transforming lives, building skills, and forging new sustainable pathways for Aboriginal businesses across NSW.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said initiatives like FNESI are creating strong links between schools and employers that benefit career outcomes for young people.

“These partnerships ensure education is closely aligned with the current and future needs of local industries and communities. Students gain real-world skills, and industry gains future talent,” Minister Whan said.