The McGowan Government is partnering with industry to increase opportunities for jobseekers to be part of Western Australia’s transport infrastructure boom, today launching the Infrastructure Ready TAFE program.
Eligible participants will take part in a free four-week intensive training course at TAFE campuses across metropolitan Perth while also gaining an inside look at some of WA’s key construction projects including:
- METRONET Bellevue Railcar facility;
- METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension;
- METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link;
- METRONET Denny Avenue Level Rail Crossing Removal;
- Armadale to North Lake Road Bridge Project;
- Karel Avenue Upgrade Project;
- High Street Fremantle Upgrade Project; and
- Roe Highway/Kalamunda Road Interchange Project.
The program aims to increase industry diversity, with young and female jobseekers encouraged to apply. The course forms part of the Recovery Skill Sets initiative, which is free for those people on JobSeeker/JobKeeper payments, or are concession-eligible or aged under 25. Non-eligible participants will need to pay a $191 fee.
It is also an opportunity for mature age jobseekers recently displaced from other industries to enter the civil construction industry, which will be enjoying a sustained pipeline of work on fully-funded projects over coming years.
The Infrastructure Ready Skill Set will teach basic measurement and calculation skills relevant to construction and focus on safe work practices. Participants will also learn skills to operate small plant and equipment used on construction projects.
The training program will begin in late October with the first round of ‘job-ready’ participants given the opportunity to gain entry-level prospects with contractors from the civil construction industry by early 2021 and is supported by a four week TAFE course.
The program is part of a wider initiative designed to drive the sustainability of the civil construction industry by developing an ongoing pool of entry-level workers.
As WA enters an unprecedented era of infrastructure construction – particularly major roads and METRONET – it is essential a skilled workforce is in place to help deliver this record pipeline of works.
Contractors will be provided with incentives to employ and retain program participants.
Key industry partners include the Civil Contractors Federation, the Construction Contractors Association and the Construction Training Fund.
People interested in signing up to the course can register their interest by emailing [email protected]
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“My Government’s number one priority has always been Western Australian jobs and supporting industry in ways that creates a pipeline of jobs, helps build better infrastructure and boosts the local economy.
“This free course combines training opportunities and jobs on major transport infrastructure projects which is critical as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“Participants will gain firsthand experience on this unique course that will put them in good stead for work on our major infrastructure projects and for future employment opportunities.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“We are delivering more than $6.5 billion worth of road and rail projects across all corners of the State – ensuring we have the workforce to deliver this pipeline of work is a key priority.
“We are working closely with industry to ensure the skills and training available to those taking part provides the best opportunities for development and entry into the civil construction industry.
“This new training will deliver job-ready workers to meet the immediate needs of Western Australia’s multi-billion-dollar civil construction industry.”
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
“This training program has been developed in consultation with industry to engage displaced workers, including young people and mature age workers to meet immediate and emerging skills requirements as the economy recovers from the pandemic.
“The program will provide a launch pad for job seekers to get skills ready for new jobs and provide pathways to full qualifications.”
