The Andrews Labor Government has created close to 3,500 opportunities for apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets to get valuable on-the-job training on Victoria’s biggest infrastructure projects.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today toured the $110 million Chandler Highway Upgrade which is employing young apprentices and engineering cadets, thanks to the Major Projects Skills Guarantee.
The upgrade will build a new bridge across the Yarra River between Alphington and Kew and add six new traffic lanes – easing traffic congestion between Melbourne’s inner eastern, northern and southern suburbs.
The guarantee requires contractors on publicly funded major works valued over $20 million to use apprentices, trainees or engineering cadets for at least 10 per cent of the total labour hours.
It has already been applied to 43 major government infrastructure projects worth more than $30 billion – providing career pathways for young workers and those reskilling from other sectors – including the auto industry.
The guarantee is part of the Labor Government’s $68 million Jobs Victoria suite of programs that provides tailored services to support and connect long-term jobseekers into jobs with supportive employers.
Jobs Victoria has placed more than 2800 long-term jobseekers into jobs – about 40 jobs a week since the program started. Nearly 320,000 jobs have been created since the Labor Government was elected.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“Victoria is Australia’s jobs powerhouse and we’re making sure our young people share in that success.”
“Our Major Projects Skills Guarantee is creating thousands of opportunities for young Victorians, giving them on-the-job training so they’re better prepared for work.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan
“We’re reducing congesting and slashing travel times on the vital Chandler Highway, which connectsMelbourne’s northern growth areas to the inner east and the CBD.”
Quote attributable to the Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“This upgrade is not only making the journey faster for more than 44,000 motorists – it’s also creating jobs for locals.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020