GHD, Cox Architecture and SJB Architecture will provide at least 10 internships each year for the next 10 years to Indigenous Australian university students as part of their commitment to the CareerTrackers program.

CareerTrackers is a national non-profit organisation that endeavours to create private sector internship opportunities for talented Indigenous university students. The above architecture firms are joined by nine other companies, which includes Lend Lease and Leighton, by committing to 10-year program, known as the ‘10x10’.

The ‘10x10’ program will see firms employ 10 Indigenous Australians studying relevant degrees at university every year for 10 years. CareerTrackers have said the program will see 3,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students become paid interns over the coming decade.

GHD said that their interns will undertake a 12 week vacation practice program while completing their degrees with a view to progressing to full-time employment as part of the company’s Graduate Program.

Phil Duthie, GHD’s General Manager – Australia, comments, “As one of the leading supporters of CareerTrackers, GHD is proud to be investing in the development of these talented young leaders. One of the ways we can help ‘close the gap’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people is by creating opportunities that enhance economic development and participation. It is a privilege to assist Indigenous leaders to embark on careers in engineering, architecture, science and other disciplines.”


Related: How architecture can give voice to narratives of Indigenous culture: Jefa Greenaway


The inaugural group of employers in the 10-year program, known as the ‘10x10’, which were unveiled to an audience of around 1,400 guests at CareerTrackers’ 5th Annual Gala Dinner, are:

  • Commonwealth Bank 
  • Cox Architecture
  • Gadens 
  • GHD
  • Herbert Smith Freehills
  • Indigenous Business Australia
  • Insurance Australia Group
  • Leighton Contractors 
  • Lend Lease 
  • Qantas
  • SJB Architecture 
  • Westpac Group