Overwhelming Response for All-Women TBM Crew on Suburban Rail Loop Project

 

 

ACCIONA, as part of the Suburban Connect consortium, have received an unprecedented number of applicants for the world's first all-women tunnel boring machine (TBM) crew for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East project in Melbourne.

Nearly 870 women have applied to join this groundbreaking initiative, showcasing the immense interest in construction careers among women.

The all-women TBM crew will be one of several teams tasked with excavating the SRL East’s 16km twin tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley

This pioneering team will comprise approximately 25 highly skilled positions, including TBM operators, gantry and segment crane operators, grouters, and various support roles.

Successful candidates will undergo comprehensive training and gain hands-on experience to equip them with the necessary skills for their roles.

The strong response means that even applicants not selected for the TBM crew may be considered for other suitable positions within the project.

ACCIONA, alongside our consortium partners, are committed to ensuring that at least 10% of total labour hours on the Tunnels South works will be performed by women.

SRL East Tunnels South will also deliver 55 safety cross passages between the tunnels, station boxes at Clayton and Monash and the construction of portals – the entrances and exits to the tunnels – at the stabling facility.

The SRL East project, spanning from Cheltenham to Box Hill, will feature six new underground stations.

Construction activities are already in progress at each site, with crews preparing TBM launch sites, relocating underground services, and setting the stage for major construction efforts.

Tunnelling operations are set to commence in 2026, with the all-women crew anticipated to be operational by 2027.

This initiative not only marks a significant milestone in the construction industry but also aligns perfectly with ACCIONA's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainable infrastructure development.

The SRL East project is expected to create up to 8,000 jobs, with over 1,400 individuals already contributing to its progress.

We’re proud to be part of this transformative project to significantly reduce travel times, alleviate congestion, and open up more housing options near essential services in Melbourne's east and southeast.