Specialist engineering, services and operations provider UGL has established a strategic relationship with Indigenous Defence & Infrastructure Consortium to enhance the global company's First Nations procurement capacity.
Led by former AFL star and Indigenous advocate, chief executive Adam Goodes, iDiC is a single-point deployment, project, and account manager that provided clients with diverse services through its consortium of 140-plus Indigenous partner businesses.
UGL's existing large network of Indigenous businesses has helped it deliver high-quality defence and infrastructure projects, and the new partnership with iDiC would only further increase its network.
Mr Goodes said iDiC aimed to break the back of poverty in Indigenous communities by supporting First Nations entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that create self-determination and economic independence for Aboriginal people and communities.
"We're really excited to be working with UGL, which already has great procurement with Indigenous businesses and great engagement with Indigenous communities," he said.
"UGL isn't starting from zero and we're hoping together we can take it to another level."
UGL executive general manager of services Sam Goldsmith said the company was thrilled to start a relationship with iDiC.
"They're experienced in the field of supporting Aboriginal enterprises," he said.
"It's going to provide us with an opportunity to increase how many businesses we can engage with."
UGL held its first workshop with iDiC in November, when stakeholders from across the business came together to collaborate.
Last month UGL launched its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Undergraduate Scholarship Program, an initiative designed to support First Nations Australians achieve their career goals.
The program provided financial support and valuable work experience to students pursuing studies in engineering (electrical and mechanical), commercial, procurement, legal, environmental/sustainability, health and safety, and finance.
Two recipients of the undergraduate program have already started at UGL: Saffron Butler in the company's new energy business, and Denzel Thorn, who will work in the services team.
Both will undertake a paid undergraduate program at UGL, which gave them hands-on experience and professional development.
Upon completion of the scholarship, Mr Butler and Mr Thorn would be considered for the CIMIC Group graduate program, opening doors to further career growth and opportunities within UGL and its parent company CIMIC Group.
More information on UGL's scholarship program is available online.
