Empowered Through Opportunity: Saliha Civriz’s Journey

We are pleased to share the inspiring journey of Saliha Civriz, who has triumphed over significant challenges to pursue her passion in the building and construction industry.

Saliha’s journey began as an immigrant seeking a better life in Australia, facing formidable barriers to employment. These included her non-English speaking background and the complexities of having overseas qualifications which were unrecognised here in Australia.

Balancing the responsibilities of raising three young children with limited financial resources, Saliha encountered multiple obstacles in finding employment that matched both her qualifications and her role as a mother.

Despite these challenges, she persevered and secured an unpaid internship to gain industry experience, laying the foundation for her career aspirations. Recognising that further education was essential to secure flexible, paid work in the industry, Saliha explored viable study options.

Last year, in recognition of her resilience and determination despite the challenges she faced, the Building and Construction Foundation proudly awarded Saliha the 2023 Career Advancement Scholarship. This assistance enabled her to successfully complete her Diploma of Access Consulting at Access Institute.

The support from the Career Advancement Scholarship was pivotal in her journey, alleviating the financial strain and allowing her to focus on her studies and family responsibilities. The flexible study options provided by the Diploma of Access Consulting course enabled Saliha to balance her coursework with caring for her children, ensuring she could succeed academically while managing her familial duties.

Today, Saliha has not only formalised her qualifications but has also found fulfilling employment in the industry as an access consultant. This career path offers her the flexibility to work from home and set her own hours, accommodating her role as a dedicated mother.

The Building and Construction Foundation takes pride in supporting individuals like Saliha Civriz, who defy odds to achieve success. Through our scholarship initiatives, we strive to remove barriers and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds so they can excel in the construction industry.

Witnessing Saliha’s journey from overcoming initial challenges to building a successful career has been immensely inspiring. We are honoured to have played a part in her success and remain committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the construction sector.

For more information on our scholarship programs and how you can support our mission, please contact our Executive Director, Sara Abraham, or email us at info@buildingandconstructionfoundation.org.au.