The light at the end of the tunnel for young construction workers

Aidan Morris is digging his way to a bright future with his love of working in the many tunnels under construction in Sydney.

Working underground is not for everyone, but Aidan Morris hopes to remain subterranean for years.

The 20-year-old tunnel worker got his break at 16 on the $3.9 billion Rozelle Interchange, which will open within weeks.

“I’ve seen it go from digging out the tunnel to laying the pavement and final finishes,” Mr Morris said, who has since moved to work on the Western Harbour Tunnel, which will create a western bypass of the CBD.

At the new project he is not only underground, but under water as well.

“It’s the same as when I first started … but more muddy,” he said. “I definitely want to stay in the tunnels.”

Tunnel Worker, Aidan Morris did his apprenticeship at the Rozelle interchange which will open within weeks. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Morris in one of 300 apprentices who trained with engineering and construction giant John Holland on the Rozelle Interchange.

The company is building some of Sydney’s major pieces of infrastructure including the Metro, Sydney Gateway – an above ground, toll-free link between St Peters Interchange and Sydney Airport – and the Sydney Children’s Hospital at Randwick.

“We’re very fortunate to be leading some of the nation’s biggest projects which allows us to invest in the next generation of talent – people just like Aidan Morris – to guide our industry forward,” John Holland CEO Joe Barr said.

“Working in construction for nearly four decades has taught me that the opportunities for career progression really are endless.”

Mr Morris started his apprenticeship at Loyola High School in Mount Druitt and has since achieved a Certificate 3 in Civil Construction.

He has loved learning how to use the machinery and said it is a great place to work.

“Working with your hands leads to a lot of opportunities, you can do anything you want,” Mr Morris said.