The Andrews Labor Government is helping jobseekers find opportunities on major Victorian projects with the launch of a dedicated Jobs Hub for the Mernda Rail Extension.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan and Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green joined workers at the project site in Epping today to officially open the Jobs Hub for the $600 million project.
The Mernda Rail Extension is set to create around 1,200 direct jobs – including 600 during construction – and 1,800 indirect jobs in local businesses and industries supporting the project.
There will also be opportunities for at least 50 apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets under the Labor Government’s Major Projects Skills Guarantee (MPSG).
The Jobs Hub – built by indigenous construction company Barpa – will help jobseekers from all backgrounds find meaningful employment.
Victorians with disability, the long-term unemployed and workers transitioning from the auto industry will have access to a network of employment service providers.
The Hub offers face-to-face support, assistance with job applications and resume writing, as well as training opportunities, and will connect jobseekers to employers and suitable roles.
A number of different positions will be available, from engineering and construction to administration and catering. The Mernda project team’s social procurement plan will stimulate the local economy by purchasing local goods and services from local suppliers.
Construction on the Mernda Rail Extension is now underway, with the line to open in early 2019. The project will build eight kilometres of new train line between South Morang and Mernda and three new state-of-the-art stations at Hawkstowe, Marymede and Mernda, with up to 2,000 car spaces and new walking and cycling paths.
The Jobs Hub is located at 323 McDonalds Road, Epping. It’s open from 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays by appointment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“The Mernda Rail Jobs Hub is about connecting jobseekers to employers, and finding opportunities for work on this exciting rail extension project.”
“From crane operators to office administration – this project needs plenty of workers to build eight kilometres of new rail line and three new train stations. The Jobs Hub is truly a one-stop shop.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan
“We’re making a record investment in public transport – creating thousands of jobs including in the Mernda area and getting people home safer and sooner.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green
“This new train line is desperately needed to support our growing community. Thanks to a dedicated Jobs Hub, we’ll get more Victorians into work, and get this project moving.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020