Eight Riverina community members, including seven First Nations participants, have successfully upskilled in their next phase of workplace training, by completing a three-day ‘Rail Industry Readiness’ course run by First Nations Registered Training Organisation Yakka Training and the Inland Rail Skills Academy.
The course provided further training to the Wagga Wagga cohort, who last month graduated from a ‘Safely Access the Rail Corridor’ program, and will prepare participants for rail and construction work opportunities in the future.
Throughout the course, participants studied modules including physical and mental fitness, financial literacy, safety training, cultural awareness, workplace professionalism, and leadership skills.
Completing the ‘Rail Industry Readiness’ course means participants can progress to commencing a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure next year – which includes mandatory training required for a Rail Industry Worker card, and any potential offer of employment with Inland Rail contractors.
Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety and Environment, Stephen Jones, said the project was delivering real opportunities for regional communities.
“We’re proud to support locals on the path to employment in the rail industry, as we continue with the job of completing Inland Rail from Beveridge to Parkes by 2027,” he said.
“Inland Rail is being built now to create a new freight future for Australia. Through the Skills Academy, Inland Rail is significantly contributing to communities along the alignment by creating opportunities for education, training, skills development, and employment.”
For more information on training and development opportunities available with the Inland Rail Skills Academy, visit our Education and Scholarships page or email: irskillsacademy@artc.com.au.