Donegal woman launches Australian construction training company

An Inver mother in Australia told Donegal Live of her desire to provide construction training opportunities for people new to the construction industry or Australia.

Niamh Kennedy, like thousands of Irish people, emigrated to Australia in 2017 in search of a new life. Now a young mother, Niamh is leading a thriving life down under with the launch of her company, Kennedy Civil and Rail Training. 

“I wanted a change and to see the world,” said the former student of St Naul’s NS in Keelogs.  “I've always had it in my head since I was young, I wanted to be in a far busier environment. 

“Honestly, I always wanted to go to America, but couldn't get anyone to go with me. I have an uncle over here, so that just seemed like the solution to head this direction instead.”

Once Niamh made her move, she initially struggled to find work. She found work in traffic control after three months, a job Niamh said she hated. She continued her career to the point where she eventually earned her HR Truck licence. 

READ NEXT: Olympian Jack Woolley Calls on Youth Organisations in Donegal to Apply to VHI Health and Wellbeing Fund

Niamh is now determined to assist other emigrants who made the same move as her in the construction industry.

She said: “I've always been determined to have my own business. I don't like answering to other people, I've always been coming up with ideas of what to do, and then the lightbulb moment hit last year as I was at work one day and saw a shortage of operators in the rail side of the industry, and thought I could do something with this.  

“From my experience over years in Australia and putting my hand to anything anyone would allow me to, having a very slow start along with the ups and downs along the way I've always been happy to help anyone out where I can that comes over or any information I can provide that helps them along their path I'll share it, so my goal now is to be able to provide the resources to individuals coming over that weren't available to me when I was starting out. 

“I want to provide training opportunities for those starting in construction and have someone they can turn to and ask questions. Also, I want to specialise in women in construction and those who unexpectedly fall pregnant like I did, and love the industry and show them they don't need to give up, help them build a career in it like I did. 

“There are a few other ideas up my sleeve, but not willing to share them yet. Yes, there are long hours, but you can make it work if you want to.”