InfraBuild recognised among global steel industry leaders for Excellence in People

InfraBuild has been named a finalist in the World Steel Association’s (worldsteel) 2026 Steelie Awards, recognised for its approach to developing people and building a workforce ready for the future of steel manufacturing.

Selected as one of five finalists in the Excellence in People category from 26 nominations, InfraBuild joins international steel producers including China Baowu and Tata Steel in recognition of its workforce development initiatives.

The annual Steelie Awards celebrate achievements across the global steel industry, with the Excellence in People category recognising initiatives that strengthen workforce capability, employee engagement, inclusion and long-term workforce sustainability.

Building the future steel workforce

InfraBuild’s nomination, Building the Future Steel Workforce: InfraBuild’s Workforce Renewal System, showcases its integrated approach to addressing some of the steel industry’s most pressing workforce challenges.

With an ageing workforce, increasing competition for technical skills and changing capability requirements, InfraBuild has developed a connected approach to workforce planning that helps identify critical skills, strengthen leadership, retain knowledge and develop future talent.

The approach brings together activities including InfraBuild’s ADAPT Leadership Framework, Ignite and Accelerate leadership development programmes, graduate and early career pathways, succession planning, transition to retirement, inclusion and diversity initiatives, employee listening and wellbeing programmes. These activities are guided by workforce planning and employee feedback, helping focus effort where it is needed most.

InfraBuild CEO Francisco Irazusta said the international recognition reflected the company’s commitment to investing in its people and the future of Australian steel manufacturing.

“The future of Australian steel depends on having the right people, skills and leadership capability to support our industry. We’re investing in our existing workforce while creating opportunities for the next generation to build rewarding careers in steel,” Francisco said.

“Being recognised alongside some of the world’s leading steelmakers is a significant achievement. It reflects the work happening across InfraBuild to strengthen our workforce, develop our people and protect the knowledge and expertise that underpin our manufacturing capability.”

Delivering meaningful results

The nomination highlights progress across several areas, including 97% graduate retention, stronger female representation in the workforce and leadership, and more than 300 employees accredited as Mental Health First Aiders.

It also recognises the company’s work to improve succession planning and support the transfer of critical knowledge from experienced employees to the next generation.

“Our people are central to our ability to manufacture steel locally and support Australia’s construction and infrastructure needs. This recognition reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in their development, wellbeing and future,” Francisco said.

InfraBuild’s nomination demonstrates how a long-term, connected approach to workforce development can help strengthen Australia’s steelmaking capability while creating opportunities for employees at every stage of their careers.

Congratulations to Jindal Steel Limited, winner of the 2026 Excellence in People Steelie Award for its Dakshata – Engineering safety, one duty position at a time initiative.

It is a privilege for InfraBuild to be recognised among the world’s leading steelmakers, and we are proud to have been named one of five finalists in this prestigious global award.