Young Starters program wins Shared Value Award

Engineering company Consep’s Young Starter program, an initiative developed through our Employer Innovation Lab, has been awarded the Advancing Equity Award at the 2025 Shared Value Awards. The program supports young people to gain valuable skills and a pathway into the engineering industry.

Consep embraced the opportunity provided by the Employer Innovation Lab to try something different. They had real business challenges – particularly in attracting young talent. They were also keen to provide opportunities for young people in Western Sydney who needed a chance. The fact that they have now embedded the program as business-as-usual shows it is possible to create great business value and make a real difference to the next generation.

Across Western Sydney many companies, including in manufacturing, have ageing workforces. At the same time, over 20,000 young people are looking for work. With our help, Consep have shown it’s possible to address both challenges. Not only that, but they are also willing to share what they’ve learned with other employers who want to do the same.” Lisa Fowkes • Director of Employment at SVA

Over six-months, the Young Starters program offers rotations across engineering, logistics, fabrication and administration, to local young people facing barriers to employment with little or no formal experience, particularly women. Participants receive mentoring and tailored support, including help with transport, certifications and job readiness.

So far, 20 young people (14 female) have taken part, with over half moving into full-time roles.

We’ve shifted our focus from rigid prerequisites to real potential. This program is now a core part of how we recruit.

From the outset, our entire team responded positively and took pride in the opportunity to be involved. It transformed every person at Consep into a teacher – not by title, but by attitude and action.” Grant Steward • Consep Founder and CEO

The program started as a pilot aiming to address challenges in attracting applicants – particularly young women, as well as recognising the company’s role in creating opportunities for some of the 20,000 young jobseekers across Western Sydney. From the first time that young people joined Consep’s Open Day, the program has been embraced across the business with genuine enthusiasm.

The Young Starters program has now been embedded locally and is rolling out in Consep’s site in Canada. The program sits at the heart of Consep’s people strategy, proving that inclusive hiring strengthens retention, performance, and long-term business outcomes.

Grant and the Consep team are now hoping that others in the industry and local area follow suit and embed good practices and inclusive employment pathways that unlock opportunities for the local community.

The Advancing Equity Award celebrates transformative business innovation that creates both commercial and societal value.

The Employer Innovation Lab helps employers create pathways for young people without degrees, with support from the Paul Ramsay Foundation and the Macquarie Group Foundation. To learn more, visit the Employer Innovation Lab.

Find out more about the Shared Value Awards