Case studies
Supporting top talent and future leaders through partnership with CareerTrackers
In 2019, KBR started a special partnership with CareerTrackers–a national purpose-driven organisation that supports pre-professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students and links them with employers to participate in paid, multi-year internships. The CareerTrackers program provides opportunities for students to perform internships with sponsor organisations such as KBR, with the aim of individuals converting from intern into full-time employee upon completion of their university degree.
During this time, we’ve welcomed four CareerTrackers interns to KBR in different departments including technical engineering, people and culture, and corporate communications and marketing.
Case studies
Supporting top talent and future leaders through partnership with CareerTrackers
In 2019, KBR started a special partnership with CareerTrackers–a national purpose-driven organisation that supports pre-professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students and links them with employers to participate in paid, multi-year internships. The CareerTrackers program provides opportunities for students to perform internships with sponsor organisations such as KBR, with the aim of individuals converting from intern into full-time employee upon completion of their university degree.
During this time, we’ve welcomed four CareerTrackers interns to KBR in different departments including technical engineering, people and culture, and corporate communications and marketing.
Intern spotlight:
Mitchell Odegaard, Engineering Intern
Intern spotlight:
Jay Van Nus, Communications Intern
Mitchell Odegaard is a proud Larrakia man working on Kaurna Country in Adelaide, South Australia.
A talented Engineering Intern in KBR’s Water, Environment and Industrial team, Mitchell is studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at the University of Adelaide.
The highly motivated, developing leader embraces new challenges each day. Mitchell works across a range of projects in the water team, focusing on potable and wastewater systems, while also building his skills in structural engineering.
“I work hard to be the best version of myself. Whilst doing this I want to positively influence my peers and inspire the next generation.”
Mitchell is passionate about giving back to his multiple communities – he volunteers as an Ambassador for the University of Adelaide Aboriginal Education and the STEM Congress Wirltu Yarlu, is a mentor for youth violence prevention charity Sammy D Foundation and also supports junior teams at his local football club. His outstanding commitment to his community was recognised through the CareerTrackers 2022 Community Spirit Award, which Mitchell won for being a positive influence who actively connects with fellow interns, promotes a supportive and welcoming community and ensures others are aware of the program.
Mitchell aspires to be a future leader within the civil engineering industry and work on some of Australia’s largest projects.
Jay Van Nus is a proud descendant of the Bibbulmun Noongar people and Chilean, working on Wadawurrung Country in regional Victoria.
Jay is a highly regarded Communications Intern who will complete their studies in a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Federation University in 2023.
Jay has been part of Team KBR for over two years and has made a real impact through their work. Extremely passionate about inclusion and diversity at work and in the community, Jay blends their creativity and knowledge to continuously deliver great work. This was recognised by CareeerTrackers in 2023 when Jay won the Project Excellence Award for their work in two areas of impact – creating a Think Tank of young Aboriginal employees who reviewed and assessed KBR's approach to Reconciliation, and developing educational resources aimed at giving KBR’s workforce a deeper understanding and appreciation of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people.
“Through KBR I have been fortunate enough to create content about all kinds of causes that I am passionate about. My proudest achievement so far has been being able to speak up for First Nation and LGBTQIA+ inclusion and diversity. I would not have these opportunities if it weren’t for the allies who support and encourage me to project my activism.”
Jay aspires to further develop their artistic career while serving both their First Nation and LGBTQIA+ communities from within the psychology and communications fields.
Intern spotlight:
Mitchell Odegaard, Engineering Intern
Mitchell Odegaard is a proud Larrakia man working on Kaurna Country in Adelaide, South Australia.
A talented Engineering Intern in KBR’s Water, Environment and Industrial team, Mitchell is studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at the University of Adelaide.
The highly motivated, developing leader embraces new challenges each day. Mitchell works across a range of projects in the water team, focusing on potable and wastewater systems, while also building his skills in structural engineering.
“I work hard to be the best version of myself. Whilst doing this I want to positively influence my peers and inspire the next generation.”
Mitchell is passionate about giving back to his multiple communities – he volunteers as an Ambassador for the University of Adelaide Aboriginal Education and the STEM Congress Wirltu Yarlu, is a mentor for youth violence prevention charity Sammy D Foundation and also supports junior teams at his local football club. His outstanding commitment to his community was recognised through the CareerTrackers 2022 Community Spirit Award, which Mitchell won for being a positive influence who actively connects with fellow interns, promotes a supportive and welcoming community and ensures others are aware of the program.
Mitchell aspires to be a future leader within the civil engineering industry and work on some of Australia’s largest projects.
Intern spotlight:
Jay Van Nus, Communications Intern
Jay Van Nus is a proud descendant of the Bibbulmun Noongar people and Chilean, working on Wadawurrung Country in regional Victoria.
Jay is a highly regarded Communications Intern who will complete their studies in a Bachelor of Psychological Science at Federation University in 2023.
Jay has been part of Team KBR for over two years and has made a real impact through their work. Extremely passionate about inclusion and diversity at work and in the community, Jay blends their creativity and knowledge to continuously deliver great work. This was recognised by CareeerTrackers in 2023 when Jay won the Project Excellence Award for their work in two areas of impact – creating a Think Tank of young Aboriginal employees who reviewed and assessed KBR's approach to Reconciliation, and developing educational resources aimed at giving KBR’s workforce a deeper understanding and appreciation of the issues faced by LGBTQIA+ people.
“Through KBR I have been fortunate enough to create content about all kinds of causes that I am passionate about. My proudest achievement so far has been being able to speak up for First Nation and LGBTQIA+ inclusion and diversity. I would not have these opportunities if it weren’t for the allies who support and encourage me to project my activism.”
Jay aspires to further develop their artistic career while serving both their First Nation and LGBTQIA+ communities from within the psychology and communications fields.
KBR signs agreement with Indigenous Service Provider JY Australia
In May 2022, KBR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indigenous Service Provider JY Australia (previously known as JLB-Yaran) that will further enhance KBR’s engagement with Australian First Nations communities and businesses. The agreement was signed on Gadigal land and witnessed by First Nations Elder Aunty Mary Doctor during the 2022 Indo Pacific Conference in Sydney. JY Australia is an Indigenous and veteran-owned professional service provider with a long history of supporting the defence industry. The JY Australia team has Australian defence experience, both in and out of uniform, further enhancing their ability to support the Australian Defence Force.
“KBR is committed to the development and empowerment of First Nations companies, particularly in the Australian defence industry,” says Rob Hawketts, Vice President of Government Solutions Asia Pacific. “I am proud to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with JLB-Yaran so that we can continue to grow our partnership and foster greater opportunities for Australian First Nations communities.”
CORE Cultural Learning
In November 2020, KBR launched CORE Cultural Learning–A comprehensive, flexible and self-paced online course comprising 10 learning modules, each covering a unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander topic. The training is produced by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
Providing cultural learning for all employees was an important action in our Reflect RAP and integral to succeeding in other RAP initiatives. It is an essential step in strengthening the cultural capability of our organisation and embedding the values of diversity and cultural learning into our workplace culture. It is an important part of our collective journey toward greater understanding and respect for the richness and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and peoples. Since launching CORE Cultural Learning 77% of our workforce have completed the two or more modules.
