Meet Makayla Winnett, Webuild Intern and former GET Program Participant! 

Makayla has recently joined Webuild as a 2025/26 Summer Intern, our annual intern program that provides engineering students with 12 weeks of practical experience working on some of our most exciting projects. This next step in Makayla’s engineering journey follows her participation in Curtin University’s Girls+ Engineering Tomorrow (GET) Program. Learn more below! 

“I’ve just finished my first year studying electrical engineering; the first year is general for all engineering disciplines, so I haven’t started my electrical-specific units yet, but I’m really enjoying the journey so far!

“I’ve always been drawn to STEM subjects and anything hands-on, such as building IKEA flatpacks. I love problem-solving, so engineering felt like the perfect fit for my interests and strengths.

“When I found out I’d been selected for the Webuild Intern Program, I was incredibly excited. I’ve always wanted to get into the industry as early as possible to understand the different areas of engineering and where I might want to specialise. I’m very grateful for the opportunity and eager to learn as much as I can.

“As an intern, I’m really looking forward to working on real projects and getting involved in problem-solving. Being part of Webuild is going to be very a valuable experience; the company is large, diverse, and full of knowledgeable people. I get to learn from other interns and graduates, as well as highly experienced team members like my line manager and engineering chiefs.

“In the next few years, I see myself in the graduate program, taking on more projects and continuing to grow as an engineer. I hope to contribute to projects that support Australia’s high standard of living, whether that’s increasing power supply to meet future demand or helping prevent faults that could disrupt communities or risk people’s safety.”

Makayla’s journey into engineering began with her engagement in Curtin University’s Girls+ Engineering Tomorrow (GET) Program, which has been a key STEM partnership for Webuild since 2022.

The GET Program was designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of women in STEM through tutoring support, and exposure to engineering activities, role models, and careers.

Aleesha Davis, Girls+ in STEM Program Coordinator explained: “The GET Program, part of Curtin's Girls+ in STEM initiative, supports young women and non-binary students at a critical decision-making point in their educational journey, transforming ‘I don't know if engineering is for me’ into ‘I can see myself as an engineer’. Industry partnerships, like our collaboration with Webuild, are fundamental to our program's success, as they provide authentic insights into engineering and create tangible pathways from high school through university and into meaningful careers. Industry partners who actively support women in engineering demonstrate their commitment to building a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.”

Makayla’s involvement in the Girls in Engineering Tomorrow (GET) Program started in her high school years.

“I’d completed an engineering challenge and loved the experience, so I began looking for similar STEM opportunities, and that’s how I found GET.

“Before joining the program, I didn’t really know what engineering involved. Every online search gave me vague answers, and it left me unsure about choosing engineering as a career. The GET Program changed that. 

“It gave me the chance to meet engineers from different industries, ask questions about their day-to-day work, and understand the types of problems engineers solve. The hands-on activities were eye-opening and helped me feel confident that engineering was the right path.

“What I enjoyed most was how welcoming the environment was. I had the chance to connect with other girls who shared my interests and build a network that has stayed with me. In fact, when I started university, I walked into my classes expecting to know no one, only to find familiar faces from GET. That made the transition so much easier and far less daunting.

“Programs like GET are incredibly important because they help build the next generation of women in engineering and construction. They open doors, build confidence, and show young women what’s possible. 

“The program played a huge role in shaping my career choice and helping me feel supported as I moved into university and now into the industry through the Webuild Intern Program.

“I’m grateful to be part of both GET and Webuild, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”

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