Freight Rail, Passenger Rail, Workforce, Certification & Training

Apprentices to fill more roles in NSW

The NSW Government has vowed to create thousands of apprenticeships on all future construction projects, after a successful trial on the Sydney Metro.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian on June 7 said the NSW Government would ensure 20% of trade roles on future construction projects in the state would be filled by apprentices.

“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,” the premier said.

Given the planned construction program, Berejiklian said the new measure should create at least 4,000 apprentice positions on major projects over the next four years.

The announcement follows a trial of the program on five major projects, including Sydney Metro.

Speaking from one of the sites of the Sydney Metro works, transport minister Andrew Constance said the trial had successfully trained 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,” Constance said.

“Since 2011, half a million jobs have been created in NSW, driven by the NSW Liberals & Nationals record investment in infrastructure. That is why we are backing thousands more people into great trade jobs and training.”