About LinkUp Careers
LinkUp Careers is a Not for Profit organisation dedicated to connecting students, educators, training organisations, not-for-profits, and industry professionals, all with one goal: to make career pathways into construction, manufacturing, energy, and other non-traditional industries more visible, inclusive, and achievable for everyone. All profits go back into initiatives addressing societal stereotypes and building confidence to pursue a career without bias.
Our Story
Founded by Polly Britten, an education and workforce development professional, LinkUp Careers is built on years of international and local insight into solutions providing students and career changes, particularly women and underrepresented groups, opportunities to pursue careers in Australia's essential industries.
A Personal Mission
Polly’s personal mission is grounded not just in policy and practice, but in family. With six nieces and three nephews growing up in a world still shaped by outdated stereotypes, she became determined to shift the narrative, to ensure every person, regardless of gender or background, can see themselves in a high-value, high-impact, fulfilling career.
What We Do
Through a user-friendly, purpose-driven platform, LinkUp Careers:
- Connects schools with Role Models, Community initiatives, Not for profit organisations with exploration programs and entry level jobs directly into employment
- Showcases real stories through role models
- Provides one location to access a range of workshops, information sessions, panels and networks for students and career changes
- Bridges the gap between education and employment with tools that are practical, inclusive, and inspiring
About Our Purpose Careers
At its heart, LinkUp Careers is about opening doors, and keeping them open, so that future tradies, technicians, engineers, and innovators have the confidence and connections to thrive.
Our Board
LinkUp Careers is guided by an independent board that provides strategic oversight, industry insight, and accountability, ensuring the organisation remains purpose-led, inclusive, and focused on long-term impact.
Polly Britten is a Churchill Fellow and a passionate advocate for gender equity in skilled trades, with more than eight years’ experience across education, workforce development, and industry engagement. Based in Melbourne, she has dedicated her career to creating inclusive pathways for women and underrepresented groups in non-traditional industries through education, mentorship, and systemic reform.
Polly is the founder of the NextGen Tradies – Try a Trade program, which has helped reduce barriers for young women considering careers in trades and inspired participants to re-evaluate career pathways and pursue apprenticeships. Her Churchill Fellowship research took her across Canada and Europe to study successful international initiatives focused on early exposure, inclusive support, and challenging stereotypes. As a board member of LinkUp Careers, Polly brings deep sector insight, lived experience, and a strong commitment to building equitable, future-focused career pathways.
Rosanne Luna brings more than 20 years of experience across the construction industry, including project management, operations, quality and risk management, and workforce development. She has worked across commercial, government, and not-for-profit projects, contributing to major developments, social housing initiatives, education facilities, and specialist accommodation.
Rosanne currently works as a teacher at Swinburne University of Technology, delivering Construction Management programs and supporting students to build the skills, confidence, and capability needed for meaningful employment. Passionate about education and equity, she is a mentor and member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). As a board member of LinkUp Careers, Rosanne proudly supports initiatives that connect education, industry, and opportunity, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Lauren Fahey is the Executive Director of NexGen, working at the intersection of schools, industry, and government to help young people understand what a career in construction can truly look like. Much of her work takes place in classrooms, on worksites, and in meaningful conversations that challenge perceptions and open doors for students.
Over recent years, Lauren has helped engage tens of thousands of students and job seekers across Australia, with a particular focus on girls and young people who may not have previously seen themselves represented in the industry. Known for her honest and practical approach, Lauren is deeply committed to creating pathways that are real, visible, and supported by action - believing lasting change comes from showing up consistently and backing people to succeed.
Melinda Davis is the General Manager of Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) and a leading voice for gender equity in Australia’s trade and construction sectors. With over three years at the helm of EWIT’s national programs, partnerships and advocacy, Melinda drives transformative change through the organisation’s bold 30 by 30 mission.
Melinda works closely with industry, government and community to build safer, more inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women and non-binary people in trades. Known for her authenticity, impact and community leadership, Melinda is dedicated to empowering the next generation of tradespeople and reshaping the industry for good.
Renee Briggs-Gordon is the National Manager of Apprenticeships at APM Employment Services, where she leads the development and delivery of apprenticeship programs that connect individuals with practical career pathways through vocational education and training. Since joining APM in 2024, Renee has been responsible for shaping scalable national strategies that support workforce participation and long-term employment outcomes.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience across workforce solutions and business development, Renee brings a strong customer-centric mindset, strategic insight, and a commitment to inclusive employment. She is passionate about expanding opportunities for diverse communities particularly young people and women pursuing trades and is dedicated to building resilient talent pipelines that enable individuals to succeed.
Emma Hart is an experienced senior leader, project manager, and event specialist with a background spanning community services, employment, training, and stakeholder engagement. She is the founder of Hart Futures, a project management and events consultancy supporting organisations to design, deliver, and scale purpose-driven initiatives that create meaningful community impact.
Through her work, Emma has led complex projects, delivered large-scale events and expos, and built strategic partnerships that strengthen organisational engagement, impact, and financial sustainability. Emma brings a collaborative, outcomes-focused approach to governance, with a strong commitment to inclusive growth and ensuring communities are supported particularly during periods of rapid change. As a board member of LinkUp Careers, Emma contributes practical delivery expertise and a deep understanding of how purpose-led initiatives can be effectively implemented and sustained.
