Social conscious is synonymous with success for Queensland metal fabrication, construction and landscape company, Bridgeman.
A wholly Indigenous owned and operated and Supply Nation certified company, Bridgeman prides itself on its commitment to the community, as well as its highly experienced staff and leading-edge capability.
Teaming up to lead the company are former Socceroo’s, Adam Sarota and Jade North, both proud Indigenous men.
The company works with Traditional Owners to engage with the community, and with Australian Government agencies, to improve employment and training outcomes for Indigenous People across Australia.
Based north of Brisbane, Bridgeman recognises the significant reward that comes with engaging to the local community and focuses on providing work to local-based personnel and suppliers.
It’s also committed to the continual improvement of its purchasing and procurement processes, to encourage greater social and economic benefits within the communities in which it works.
Bridgeman recently won the Dickson Small Business of the Year in recognition of its outstanding service and leadership for the Indigenous community, with local member and former Minister for Defence Peter Dutton, presenting the award.
“We are really passionate about developing our Indigenous supply chain and these businesses, individuals and communities have really helped us grow and thrive as a company,” Jade said in a press release.
Its programs include:
- One Mob Initiative: Developed to engage and provide positive educational and work experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through mentorship and support, the goal is to support recipients to advance beyond entry level roles a-d achieve higher positions. The program also gives employment opportunities to long term unemployed people within the Indigenous community. Bridgman currently employs seven full-time Indigenous employees through this initiative.
- Bridging the Gap: Mentoring and supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous high school students through the transiting to work. It offers post-school pathways and gives kids inspiration and drive to success in the real world. The program aims to close the gap of intergenerational welfare and long-term unemployment.
- Kickin’ with a Cuz: Bridgeman partners with Jade North’s not-for-profit organisation Kickin’ with a Cuz to teach young Indigenous and under privileged children a viable pathway to make better life choices.
- Futures Program: This enables the company to create and develop its future workforce. Apprentices and trainees work alongside qualified tradespeople who assist with on-the-job training. This gives them the opportunity to build new skills and experience in a hands-on learning environment.
- Career Transition Program: Helping former professional athletes, service men and women, and people with disabilities who are struggling to transition into the mainstream workforce. The program’s goal is to build confidence and enhance skills and knowledge through practical experience, mentorship and support.
- Women in Construction Pathway: Bridgman currently employees two women through this pathway, which provides and creates career opportunities to boost female participation within the construction industry. The company partners with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) which provides a forum to meet and discuss information. ideas and solutions to maintain awareness of industry developments. improve skills and knowledge for women in the industry.
The company supports the Prime Minister’s Veteran’s Employment Program, employing two full-time employees who are former Australian Defence Force members. And Jade is an Indigenous Ambassador for Givit Foundation, an organisation that provides support to Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander Peoples who are experiencing hardships.
But Bridgeman is far more than a socially responsible company. It’s also a shining success in its industry, with more than two decades delivering end-to-end stainless solutions in Queensland and across Australia. Its strong growth strategies in the past few years have seen it expand to include:
- Bridgeman Manufacturing
- Bridgeman Building Group (construction & landscape)
- Bridgeman Defence, Government & Infrastructure
It’s a QBuild Correctional Maintenance preferred supplier and has worked on more than 20 correctional centre projects over the past four years, including:
- Borallon Training and Correctional Centre
- Capricornia Correctional Centre
- Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre
- Woodford Correctional Centre
It was a key contractor for the Queensland state-wide bunk rollout, and youth detention centre initiatives.
As an ICN premium subscriber, Bridgeman uses ICN Gateway as part of its business development tools, and has won a number of work packages including:
- MILVEHCOE commercial kitchen (Watpac)
- Balustrades and handrails (Queensland Emergency Operations Centre)
“ICN has provided Bridgeman not only with tender opportunities but other avenues to access potential clients and expand our business, including networking events such as ‘Operation Scale Up’ and connecting with local suppliers to grow our Indigenous supply chain,” Adam Sarota said.
To find out more about Bridgeman, it’s projects and its programs, go to https://www.bridgeman.com.au/
