Passenger Rail, Workforce, Certification & Training

Cross River Rail to open up apprentice opportunities

Brisbane’s Cross River Rail project is to generate 450 new apprenticeships and traineeships over the course of its construction, with the Queensland government committing to a minimum 15 per cent training guarantee for large infrastructure projects.

The $5.4 billion Cross River Rail – which will see a 10.2km link constructed between Dutton Park and Bowen Hills via Brisbane River and CBD – received $733 million in the state budget just delivered by treasurer Jackie Trad, who said that the project would “unlock” both Brisbane’s rail network bottleneck and “new career pathways” for young Queenslanders.

“I’m thrilled that 450 young people will directly benefit from this project by securing an apprenticeship or traineeship connected to the Project’s construction,” Trad said.

“That means hundreds of opportunities for aspiring builders, electricians, welders and high-tech trades like signalling, telecommunications, electrical controls and specialists in mechanical works like escalators, elevators and air conditioning.”

The budget also provided $770 million over the coming year towards the state’s Vocational Education and Training Investment Plan, and $85 million over the next three years to upgrade TAFE campuses.

“It’s essential that we support and deliver an inclusive VET program so Queenslanders have pathways to safe, secure employment through apprenticeships and traineeships,” state training and skills minister Shannon Fentiman said.

“We know that apprentices and trainees with the right skills and training are helping to power Queensland’s economy.”