When Nicole first joined Linkforce, it was never meant to be permanent.
She was in Western Australia on a working holiday, finishing up farm work during the height of COVID, unsure what would come next. Then, by chance, one conversation changed everything.
“We were only in Perth for one weekend and ran into a friend who worked at Linkforce,” Nicole says. “She asked what we were doing and said, ‘Why don’t you apply?’”
At the time, Nicole and her partner only had weeks left on their working holiday, but when their farm work unexpectedly ended early, the timing felt right. “We thought, why not just take the opportunity and give it a go,” she says.
That decision marked the beginning of a journey that has now lasted almost five years and reshaped how Nicole sees herself, her capabilities and her future.
From Office Work to Site Life
Before moving to Australia, Nicole had completed university in Ireland and worked in office roles across broadband and insurance. FIFO was a completely different world.
“I was coming from an office background, so going to site was such a stark change,” she says. “At the start, I was more than happy just coming up as a TA to get some experience and see what it was like.”
She joined Linkforce as a Trades Assistant, mostly working in the Pilbara, before securing a 2:1 roster at Mount Marion in the Goldfields.
What started as a short term opportunity quickly became something more. “I ended up really loving the job,” Nicole says. “I didn’t expect that at all.”
Finding Her Feet in Scaffolding
While on roster, Nicole began building confidence and collecting skills, including her forklift ticket. Then came scaffolding.
“At first, when the crew suggested getting my scaffolding ticket, I was absolutely against it,” she laughs. “I was a bit nervous about heights.”
But after helping out on smaller tasks and seeing the work up close, she made a decision to push herself. “I thought, maybe this will help me get over the fear. What’s the worst that can happen?”
Scaffolding quickly became her main focus, and with it came one of the most surprising parts of her experience. “The amount of time and effort people put into teaching me properly was huge,” Nicole says. “They never just threw me in the deep end.”
Backed by the Team
For Nicole, the support she has received on site is what truly stands out. “They’d let me give things a crack, but they were always there to step in if I needed help,” she says. “It was really encouraging.”
Working consistently with the same teams in the Goldfields allowed strong relationships to form. “People get to know your capabilities. They know when to give you a push and when to support you,” she explains.
Nicole says being a woman on site was never something she felt defined her experience, but she was always conscious of how well she was looked after. “I feel incredibly lucky with the people I’ve worked with. Everyone has been kind, patient and genuinely supportive.”
Growing Confidence, One Job at a Time
While technical skills have been part of Nicole’s development, the biggest change has been internal. “At the start, I probably wouldn’t have spoken up even if I had an idea,” she says. “Now I feel confident enough to contribute and back myself.”
She has learned that scaffolding is far more than it looks. “There are so many ways to do a job. You watch how others think through it, then eventually you’re doing that thinking yourself.”
That progression has helped her build belief in her own judgement. “It’s a really good feeling to know what you’re talking about and feel like you belong.”
Unity in Action
Of Linkforce’s values, Unity is the one Nicole connects with most. “Even though different departments don’t always work side by side, when you do come together on shutdowns, everyone helps each other out,” she says.
Within scaffolding, that same sense of teamwork carries through every job. “It feels like everyone is always working towards the same goal.”
Flexibility That Fits Real Life
Nicole says flexibility is what makes Linkforce a place people return to. “You have so much control over how much you work and when you take time off,” she explains.
The Linkforce app plays a big role in that balance. “Being able to see your swings laid out visually makes planning life so much easier. As soon as I see time off, I’m planning something.”
Whether it’s trips down south, time with friends or simply resetting between swings, the ability to plan ahead matters. “It helps you actually enjoy your time off rather than letting it slip by.”
Looking Forward
Nearly five years on, Nicole reflects on how one weekend and one conversation changed her path. “If we hadn’t run into our friend that weekend, we might never have applied,” she says.
Her advice to others considering a career at Linkforce is simple.“Just give it a go. You don’t know where it could lead.”
Nicole’s story is a reminder that growth often starts with uncertainty and that backing yourself, with the right support around you, can take you further than you ever expected.
Your Opportunity Starts Here
Whether you’re new to FIFO or looking for a workplace where people genuinely support your growth, a career at Linkforce is built on flexibility, opportunity and teamwork.
Explore where your journey could begin.