Pilot program creates pathway into careers in water operations for Aboriginal participants
A new two-week course is underway in the Shoalhaven region supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build essential skills and open up career opportunities in the water operations sector.
It’s part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to invest in local workforces and support the delivery of critical infrastructure in New South Wales.
The Aboriginal Pathways: Fresh Start into Water Operations short course is designed to provide an entry point into the water industry, with an introduction into roles, water sampling and testing, and workplace health and safety.
Delivered through a partnership between the Water Group in the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Aboriginal Affairs NSW and the NSW Water Directorate, the initiative aims to strengthen workforce participation and create new opportunities across regional NSW.
Fusion Training Solutions is running the pilot with Shoalhaven Water in Nowra from Monday 13th April until Friday 24 April 2026 and is intended to become a model that can be replicated across regional NSW to meet local workforce needs and support Aboriginal communities.
Following completion of the pilot, Shoalhaven Water plans to support more than 10 full-time traineeships in 2026, providing opportunities for participants to continue their career journey.
Training participants will also have the opportunity to register with Yilabara Solutions and Waminda for local support in employment, health and wellbeing. The short course is being co-funded by the NSW Department of Education (Training Services) and the NSW Office of Local Government through its Fresh Start program.
When programs are co-designed and implemented by Aboriginal people and communities, in partnership with the government, closing the gap outcomes are greatly improved.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Rose Jackson:
“Programs like this open real doors for Aboriginal people to build skills and step confidently into long-term careers in the water industry.
“It’s a practical example of how we can partner with communities and local providers to grow a strong, skilled workforce that supports essential services across regional NSW.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris:
“This program demonstrates how the NSW Government is working differently to take a whole-of-government approach in partnership with Aboriginal communities to create sustainable employment and career opportunities.
“It’s about building a model of partnership that can be applied across NSW. When we get this right, we create pathways into employment that are led by Aboriginal communities and built to last.”
Quotes attributable to Member for the South Coast Liza Butler:
“This program is about creating real opportunities for people to step into meaningful careers in the water sector. By building practical skills and confidence, we’re helping people connect with stable jobs that are vital to our communities.”
“This initiative is strengthening the local workforce here in the Shoalhaven while supporting the delivery of essential water services. It’s about investing in people and making sure regional communities have the skilled workers they need now and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:
‘Pathways like these are critical in regional areas to bolster access to workforce participation and build the skills we need in the next generation of workers in this vital infrastructure as our region grows.’