Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher says a new hub to train up local jobseekers to build world class infrastructure will cash in on the benefits Western Sydney Airport will bring to the region.
The Northern Road Employment and Training Hub was officially opened last Friday.
Mr Fletcher said the purpose-built employment hub will train local jobseekers and place them into apprenticeships, traineeships and other construction related careers.
The hub is part of the joint Australian and NSW Governments’ ten-year $3.6 billion Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan.
Mr Fletcher said the Turnbull Government was contributing $2.9 billion.
“The plan is estimated to support 4,000 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the various projects, with the new hub part of the $190 million contract to build The Northern Road upgrade from Glenmore Parkway to Jamison Road,” Mr Fletcher said.
“The hub is being delivered in partnership with Lendlease to provide some of the region’s most vulnerable people with pre-vocational skills, traineeships, internships, trade qualifications and jobs with contractors and subcontractors.
“With this historic investment in infrastructure, it’s critical that a pipeline of skilled people is created to supply current projects and leave a legacy of capable Western Sydney workers ready to tackle future projects,’’ the minister said.
“So far 910 full time equivalent jobs have been created through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan, with the number expected to grow as work ramps up, so it is vital that training starts now.”
NSW Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, who did the honours at the opening, said the hub was working with vocational education providers including TAFE NSW and government agencies to deliver the training and jobs to Aboriginal Australians, young people, long-term unemployed and those facing barriers to employment.
“Infrastructure is about more than bridges, roads and airports, it is an opportunity to create pathways for the next generation of apprentices and workers in NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
“Initiatives like this will provide a fresh start for so many people, giving them an opportunity to secure jobs and learn new qualifications while helping deliver projects of long-term benefit to the state,” he said.
NSW Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey said future hub graduates represent the next generation of skilled workers who will help to build the future world class infrastructure needed to keep powering Western Sydney.
“Western Sydney is going through an unprecedented transport infrastructure boom, requiring a diverse range of skillsets to build the projects which will keep the state moving,” Ms Pavey said.
[social_quote duplicate=”yes” align=”default”]“This investment in Western Sydney is helping to transform the local economy by giving businesses the confidence to invest, expand and create new jobs.[/social_quote]
“These projects are critical in linking the South West Priority Growth Area and the North West Priority Growth Area while also supporting the economic benefits from building the Western Sydney Airport.”
Lendlease CEO Engineering and Services Craig Laslett said The Northern Road Employment and Training Hub would build on the company’s track record of creating meaningful employment and training opportunities in the construction industry.
