diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci-build.yml b/.github/workflows/ci-build.yml
index 833e5ba..1d36ca3 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci-build.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci-build.yml
@@ -20,7 +20,15 @@ jobs:
         with:
           distribution: 'temurin'
           java-version: '22'
-
+      - name: Set up Docker Compose
+        run: docker-compose up -d  # Start Docker Compose services
+
+      - name: Wait for MariaDB to be ready
+        run: |
+          echo "Waiting for MariaDB to be ready..."
+          until docker-compose exec icat_mariadb mysqladmin ping -h 127.0.0.1 --silent; do sleep 5; done
+        shell: bash
+        
       - name: Build project and run unit tests
         run: ./mvnw clean package -DskipTests