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    Media Release

    TAFE NSW Ultimo | 1 June 2026

    Three individuals in high-visibility vests and hard hats discussing a project at a construction site with scaffolding and workers in the background.

    ​​Colombian-born engineer building Sydney’s future​

    ‘TAFE NSW supports overseas students like Andrea to build their knowledge domestically and find work in the construction industry, so they can utilise their skills and boost numbers on the job site.’

    Amro Ezzeldin, TAFE NSW Civil Engineering Head Teacher

    30-year-old Andrea Ramiez Pertuz emigrated to Australia in 2023 looking for a new adventure and the opportunity to advance her career in the construction industry.

    A qualified civil engineer by trade in her native country of Colombia, Andrea enrolled at TAFE NSW to study a Diploma of Civil Construction Design to build her local industry knowledge and work towards obtaining a building licence.

    Master Builders Australia estimates the construction industry needs an additional 130,000 workers to meet the Federal Government’s goal of building 1.2 million new homes by 2029, highlighting the demand for skilled workers and engineers across the sector.

    Andrea Ramiez Pertuz stands in the centre of an indoor construction site. She’s wearing blue jeans, a black shirt, yellow high-vis vest and white hard hat. She has long black hair and is smiling at the camera.

    “I knew my skills were needed in Australia, so I moved to Sydney hoping to take my career to the next level and improve my English,” said Mrs Ramiez Pertuz.

    “Going back to study has helped me understand the terminology, technology and regulations that underpin the construction industry here".

    “TAFE NSW has supported me to navigate my career in a new country, connect with industry professionals and better understand the opportunities available to me,” said Mrs Ramiez Pertuz.

    The Arncliffe resident has since secured a role with Sydney-based construction company Austral Interiors, contributing to major infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Sydney Children’s Hospital, Royal Far West, as well as John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.

    TAFE NSW Civil Engineering Head Teacher Amro Ezzeldin said skilled migrants play an important role in helping deliver the infrastructure Sydney needs for its growing population.

    “Sydney is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, so it’s no surprise civil construction professionals are in high demand,” said Mr Ezzeldin.

    “Skilled migrants help fill critical workforce gaps across the sector, supporting the delivery of major infrastructure and construction projects across the city.

    “TAFE NSW supports students like Andrea to build their knowledge domestically and find work in the industry, so they can utilise their skills and boost numbers on the job site,” added Mr Ezzeldin.

    Media contact: Holly Simpson, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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