WITH this year’s year 12 cohort having experienced the most disrupted past two years of schooling, there is hope on the horizon with placements for traineeships within the construction industry.

Construction is also an area where there is a shortage of workers with homeowners who have building works required waiting long lead times to get the trades needed to complete the job.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

The NSW Government is offering students a rare opportunity to kick start a career in construction through a two-year paid traineeship that provides participants with experience across government and private sectors while they complete a qualification.

Applications are open to Year 12 students who are interested in working in the infrastructure industry for the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Traineeship Program.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that the opportunity for a school leaver to step into a paid role within the industry was remarkable.

“It’s rare to see an opportunity as comprehensive as this for students straight out of school,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Not only will the traineeship provide practical industry experience and networks across multiple sectors, students will also come out with a qualification, all while getting paid.

“This is a pathway that sets young people up for a future in the infrastructure sector by providing a fantastic employment opportunity and a chance for them to get their foot in the door.”

The program, run by School Infrastructure NSW, is a collaboration between NSW Government infrastructure agencies and approved industry partners, providing Year 12 graduates with office-based rotations between government agencies, contractors and consultants.

Last year was the program’s first intake which received 2200 applications for 137 traineeship positions.

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said that in addition to their practical work experience, trainees will receive free training from TAFE NSW in courses such as project management and procurement as well as First Aid and White Card accreditation funded by Training Services NSW.

“This is an opportunity for school leavers to gain real world, practical skills so they are equipped for jobs and are part of the long-term economic prosperity in their local region,” Mr Lee said.

Applications for the 2022 intake are now open.

By Marian SAMPSON