New jobs and training from infrastructure boom

The NSW Government is ensuring the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program provides on-site training for young people and existing workers in the construction industry by setting jobs and training targets for major projects.

NSW Premier Mike Baird said the $73 billion infrastructure program must extend past the delivery of major projects by helping more workers learn new skills on the job.

“NSW is experiencing a once-in-a-generation infrastructure and jobs boom as we deliver the rail, roads, schools and hospitals our state needs,” Mr Baird said.

NSW Minister for Skills John Barilaro said the program will help fill skills shortages in the construction industry by subsidising up to 550,000 vocational training places.

“These firm employment and training targets will allow existing workers to learn new skills and significantly increase the representation of young people, women and indigenous people in the construction industry,” he said.

Minimum targets for major projects include:

• 20 per cent of the total project labour force to be ‘learning workers’;
• 20 per cent of all trades positions to be apprentices;
• Double the number of women in trade related work (to two per cent);
• 1.5 per cent of the total contract value to support Aboriginal participation; and
• Eight per cent of the total project workforce aged under 25 years.

The government will also develop strategies to ensure projects employ and train people from the local area.

For more information visit the Industry NSW website.