- Published:
- Thursday 18 January 2018
Disadvantaged young people are seizing new opportunities to work on the Andrews Labor Government’s massive pipeline of major transport projects.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today joined Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke to meet young trainees from the Heron Mentoring Project, working on the Skye/Overton Road level crossing removal.
The Victorian first program, the brainchild of the site’s general superintendent Jim Heron, is giving young Victorians the chance to get the skills they need to get a job in the construction industry – setting them up for success.
The 10-week program forms part of the students’ Certificate II in Building and Construction with Try Build, a social enterprise helping young people facing barriers to education and employment learn building and construction skills.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne’s west, a three-year partnership with YMCA ReBuild will maintain the Rail Academy in Newport – Melbourne’s premium rail training facility.
YMCA Rebuild employs and mentors disadvantaged young people. Through the Partnership, it’s supervisors will work one-on-one with young trainees to maintain the buildings and grounds, to ensure they are in a safe and suitable condition for the students and teachers who use the Rail Academy.
This will include maintaining the gardens and fences around the buildings, carpentry repairs, adjustments or painting where required.
Crews will also fit-out a new classroom in the rail academy’s High Voltage Substation room, which will provide an improved training space for students to learn how to maintain Melbourne’s train network.
The Labor Government’s Major Projects Skills Guarantee requires contractors on public projects valued at more than $20 million to use apprentices, trainees or cadets for at least 10 per cent of a project’s total labour hours.
For more information on level crossing removal job opportunities, visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au/careers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“We’re giving young people real-life, on-the-job training to build their skills and confidence.”
“Our multi-billion-dollar investment in major transport projects is a win for Victorian commuters and for local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
“We’re not just removing the dangerous Skye/Overton Road level crossing, we’re helping young people get the skills they need to further their careers.”
“It’s only fair that everyone benefits from our major transport works and that’s exactly what we’re doing here in Frankston.”
Quote attributable to Member for Carrum Sonya Kilkenny
“We’re making sure the people of Carrum benefit from our multi-billion-dollar infrastructure spend - getting the jobs they want and the transport system they deserve.”