The NSW Government has just made the announcement ensuring that 20 per cent of trade roles on all future construction projects will be filled by apprentices. The measure is set to create at least 4000 apprentice positions over the next four years.
“With the record $80 billion in infrastructure projects over the next four years, the NSW Government is in a unique position to support young people in acquiring the skills they need for the jobs of the future,” said NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian.
“We want to make sure the next generation of workers at school or in tertiary education have the skills and opportunities to build great careers,” she said.
This has already been successful on five major trial projects, including Sydney Metro, WestConnex and the Wentworth to Broken Hill Water Pipeline.
“Now, we are applying it to all major construction projects,” announced the Premier.
Expanding the trial to all future major construction projects is set to fill skills shortages and to create lasting opportunities for a generation of workers.
“The construction industry alone will require an additional 300,000 people over the next decade, and the single biggest threat to our infrastructure spending program is not having the workforce to deliver it,” said Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, John Barilaro.
“By expanding our program, we are giving existing workers a chance to learn new skills and significantly increasing the representation of young people in the construction industry,” said the Deputy Premier.
Today’s announcement forms part of the NSW Government’s Ten Point Construction Plan aiming to make the NSW Government the ‘best in class’ client for the construction industry and its suppliers. The Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance, announced the changes on the Sydney Metro project, which has been successful in training more than 300 apprentices.
“We have proven we can build world-class infrastructure and train young workers who will go on to build the future roads and rail NSW needs,” Mr Constance voiced.