CPB - Talking reconciliation: Mikaela Jackson’s story
CPB Contractors Trainee Safety Administrator, Mikaela Jackson
Townsville Trainee Safety Administrator Mikaela Jackson started her career with CPB Contractors in August 2023.
Now completing a Certificate III in Business Administration on one of CPB Contractors North Queensland Defence projects, Mikaela is excited about her future with CPB, and the opportunities she’s being afforded in NQ.
Growing up in Far North Queensland
I am a proud Aboriginal woman of the Kuku Yalanji tribe (of Mossman) and Guugu Yimidhirr tribe (of Hopevale) in Far North Queensland. I grew up in Cairns with my mother and three older siblings.
Working with CPB Contractors
After graduating school, I worked in retail while balancing my career in netball through the Sports, Culture and Leadership Academy (SCALA). I began my journey with CPB in August 2023 as Trainee Administration and was later placed in the Trainee Safety Administrator role while commencing a Certificate III in Business Administration. I am currently excelling in my Certificate III modules while still committed to my netball career as part of the Sharon Finnan-White First Nations Academy of Excellence (FNAE). Being a young Indigenous woman in the construction industry, I expected some adversity. However, I’ve only had my eyes opened to great opportunities.
On CPB Contractors Stretch Reconciliation Plan
CPB Contractors strives to build a safe work environment and is committed to equality for all Australians which makes me feel really proud. I am thrilled to work for an organisation that respects and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as our country’s First Australians, that is providing rewarding employment opportunities for people, and that is committed to ensuring Indigenous Australians can fulfil their careers in a culturally safe environment.
You can read more about this here.
Most memorable moments
I have most enjoyed visiting our sites! It’s always amazing seeing the progress made, and the seeing the project come to life. I also loved taking part in the early-2024 photoshoot for the CPB x TradeMutt partnership for ‘Funky Shirt Friday’, raising awareness about the importance of mental health and services available to our industry. I had been with CPB for such a short amount of time and suddenly my face was postered on every CPB project. It was such a great experience.
