Social enterprises in trades and maintenance
In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, a powerful movement is taking shape within the trades and maintenance sectors. Social enterprises are not just fixing, building, and maintaining; they are also repairing lives, constructing opportunities, and maintaining hope within communities. These organisations exemplify how business can be a force for good, providing essential services while creating meaningful employment and fostering social inclusion.
Photo credit: CommUnity Construction
CommUnity Construction
Based in: Sydney, NSW
About: CommUnity Construction is dedicated to providing training and employment in construction trades for individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them build skills and secure sustainable careers.
Visit their website: https://communityconstruction.org.au
METIO
Based in: Sydney, NSW
About: METIO is a social enterprise focused on creating employment pathways in trades for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering training, mentorship, and practical experience.
Visit their website: https://metio.org.au
yourtown Social Enterprise
Based in: Penrith, NSW
About: yourtown Social Enterprises aim to tackle long-term youth unemployment and disadvantage by providing young people with paid work experience and training as a ‘stepping stone’ to open employment. It delivers landscaping, grounds maintenance and construction services and digital marketing to a broad range of customers across 4 states. It has employed over 3000 young people over the past 20 years. Call Centre services available in 2024.
Visit their website: http://www.yourtown.com.au/our-services/social-enterprises
ShoreTrack
Based in: Coffs Harbour, NSW
About: ShoreTrack provides training and employment opportunities for young people in various trades, including construction and maintenance, fostering skill development and positive life outcomes.
Visit their website: https://shoretrack.com.au
BackTrack Works
Based in: Armidale, NSW
About: BackTrack Works is a youth-focused social enterprise that provides training and employment opportunities in various trades, helping young people develop skills, gain confidence, and secure a brighter future.
Visit their website: https://backtrack.org.au
Wildflower gardens for good
Based in: Sydney, NSW
About: Wildflower gardens for good is a Sydney-based social enterprise that employs, trains, and supports young people from a refugee background in horticulture. It creates beautiful nature-inspired gardens for homes, businesses, and community spaces.
Visit their website: https://www.wildflower.org.au/
Civik (White Box Enterprises)
Based in: QLD & VIC (contact for NSW)
About: Civik is a trusted civil infrastructure services provider, delivering high-quality work across telecommunications, power, water and gas, while creating meaningful employment pathways for young people facing barriers to work.
Visit their website: https://civikgroup.com/what-we-do/
Other social enterprises that can help with construction, trades and maintenance projects
Superyard
Based in: Sydney, NSW
About: Superyard is a social enterprise that provides sustainable and innovative solutions for urban spaces, focusing on green infrastructure and community engagement. It aims to transform underutilised areas into vibrant and productive environments.
Visit their website: https://superyard.com.au
Circle Paints
Based in: Marrickville, NSW
About: Circle Paints is a social enterprise that remanufactures waste paint into new, high-quality paint, diverting it from landfill and providing affordable paint solutions while creating employment opportunities.
Visit their website: https://circlepaints.com
These social enterprises are more than just businesses; they are community builders, skill developers, and advocates for a more inclusive workforce. By supporting them, whether through utilising their services, volunteering your time, or spreading the word, you're investing in a more skilled, resilient, and equitable future for NSW and ACT.
See something that needs fixing up, or know a social enterprise that should be on this list? Please email us and let us know!