Starting again, with purpose
When Sandra Abid arrived in Australia in 2013 with her husband and three children, she carried hope, ambition, and a deep belief in the power of opportunity. Like many families starting over, they arrived ready to work hard, contribute, and build a future in a country known for possibility.
The family’s first chapter began in Sydney. While the transition was challenging, it was also clarifying. Despite consistent effort, it became clear that the education and employment pathways they needed were not easily accessible. Rather than losing faith, Sandra and her family made a bold decision in 2014 to relocate to Melbourne, trusting that a new beginning could still be shaped through persistence and courage.
“I arrived with hope, ambition, and a deep belief in the power of opportunity.”
That belief became an anchor. Because while resilience is personal, opportunity becomes real only when systems make space for it. Sandra’s story is not about waiting for the perfect break, but about staying open, adaptable, and forward-looking when the path is unclear.
Melbourne became the place where she began to reclaim her dream of returning to engineering.
Building momentum
Sandra’s return to engineering was deliberate.
Engineering became the long-term vision, while small, achievable steps became the focus of each day. She returned to study and embraced casual and community-based roles that allowed her to build local experience, confidence, and cultural understanding. These included work as a community guide and project officer with organisations supporting new arrivals and trauma survivors.
“I reframed my goal; engineering became my long-term vision.”
This phase of her career was formative. It taught Australian workplace culture, professional ethics, and how to navigate complex education and employment systems. More importantly, it strengthened her people-centred approach. Supporting others to rebuild wellbeing, confidence, and belonging reinforced the values that continue to guide her leadership today.
Sandra’s steady momentum was recognised when she became a finalist for the Empowering Women in SETS Award, an affirmation that consistent effort and purpose-driven choices matter.
In 2021, a pivotal opportunity arrived through the Engineering Pathways Industry Cadetship program (EPIC). Through this program, Sandra completed a Graduate Certificate in Infrastructure Engineering Management at Swinburne University and formally re-entered the engineering profession. Sandra describes the EPIC program as:
“A true win-win. EPIC empowers overseas-qualified engineers to achieve their professional goals while enriching the engineering industry with passionate, skilled, and deeply committed professionals.”
That moment did not happen by chance. It happened because the right pathway existed at the right time.
Explore how Metro Trains supports wellbeing and inclusion
Belonging and giving back
Sandra’s journey led her to Metro Trains Melbourne, a WORK180 Endorsed Employer since 2022, grounded in honesty, inclusivity, and safety. Here, she has contributed to major projects including the Metro Tunnel Project and XT2, work that directly supports safer and more efficient transport for millions of Victorians. In 2022, she completed her graduate qualification, further strengthening her professional capability and opening new doors within the rail industry.
In 2025, Sandra completed the Women in Rail Professional Development Scholarship delivered by the Australasian Railway Association. The program supported growth in assertiveness and confidence, skills that enable her to lead more effectively and advocate for others across the industry.
At Metro Trains Melbourne, Sandra’s contribution goes beyond technical delivery. She is actively involved in wellbeing initiatives, serves as a wellness advocate, and mentor’s women across the organisation.
“What makes my journey meaningful is living my values beyond the technical space.”
Sandra’s gratitude for Australia, particularly Melbourne, runs deep and extends to her family’s journey. One of her proudest moments was watching her son receive a Premier’s Award for his VCE journey.
Equally meaningful was seeing both of her sons become School Captains, giving back to their school community through leadership and service.
Sandra’s story spans continents, from Mosul, Iraq, where she worked as a lecturer in electrical engineering, to Melbourne, where she helps deliver infrastructure that keeps a city moving. For her, professional development is lifelong, about thriving, unlocking potential, and encouraging others to rise alongside her.
The real takeaway is this. When talent meets genuine access, everyone benefits. Sandra’s journey is proof that inclusive pathways do not lower the bar. They raise it.
And the greatest risk for employers is not backing people like Sandra. It’s overlooking them.
