AS the Inland Rail project is delivered across regional Victorian so are employment opportunities in safety and administration traineeships.
Two young local people have secured career-launching roles with Inland Rail’s construction partner, John Holland, outperforming 30 hopeful applicants.
Tahlea Jefferies and Hayden Johnson recently attended the Rail Readiness program—a three-day training course coordinated by the Inland Rail Skills Academy in partnership with Yakka Training.
The course focuses on safety, mental fitness, psychosocial hazards, workplace readiness, and being fit for duty in the rail industry.
Ms Jefferies is also studying for a Certificate IV in Work, Health and Safety and said the Rail Readiness program has helped her career.
“I’ve lived in Broadford for 22 years,” she said.
“I signed up for the Rail Readiness program because it seemed like an amazing opportunity. The course helped strengthen my knowledge of safety in the construction industry.
“My study is online so it is easy to manage (between that and work) and my team is also super supportive, they ensure I get time to finish all my study tasks and they have helped me by participating in assignments.
“I have been given such an amazing opportunity.”
Mr Johnson has secured a role as an Administration Trainee while completing a Certificate III in Business Administration.
Inland Rail Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, Stephen Jones said there are considerably more career pathways and employment opportunities since the project commenced.
“Inland Rail is opening doorways and encouraging people to enter the rail industry,” he said.
“The rail industry provides a rewarding and ongoing career path, and we want to upskill people who share our values, regardless of their background.
“More than 2700 people have been employed on the [Inland Rail] project in Victoria.”
John Holland’s Managing Director of Rail and Transport Steve Butcher said they are playing their part in developing local skills.
“At John Holland we’re committed to developing talent for the rail industry and we’re thrilled we could provide opportunities for people from the local community to gain industry experience and start their journey in the rail industry,” he said.
“There are lots of opportunities and we want to play our part in making sure people have the skills and experience to meet the industry’s needs of the future.”