The Andrews Labor Government's Big Housing Build is delivering more than just new houses for people who need it most - it's giving more Victorians the training they need to begin a rewarding career in construction.
Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson today met with apprentices working on the social housing redevelopment precinct at Flemington, boosting their practical knowledge while building the skills they need for the job they want.
More apprentices and trainees are kickstarting their careers with hands-on training on major infrastructure projects across Victoria, made possible by the Labor Government.
Jenny Pace is on track to becoming a qualified sprinkler fitter as she completes the Certificate III in Fire Protection and works as an apprentice on the Flemington housing precinct, learning practical skills and techniques that bring the textbook to life.
This pathway to a rewarding and secure job in construction and infrastructure is more accessible than ever, with apprentices, trainees and cadets completing a minimum 10 per cent of labour hours on Government construction projects valued at more than $20 million, through Victoria's Major Projects Skills Guarantee.
With 24 different Big Build Apprenticeships and traineeships on offer including civil construction, carpentry, plumbing and electrical to business administration, project management and IT, more Victorians can now earn while they learn.
More than 820 apprentices or trainees are taking part in the Big Build Apprenticeships program, as at June 2023, with more than 24 per cent of these being women - double the number of women employed in the wider Victorian construction industry.
The Government has invested $1.5 million to establish a new Apprenticeships Taskforce that will boost fairness and safety for apprentices across Victoria.
The Taskforce will advise the Government and provide recommendations to improve safety in workplaces across the state - ensuring more apprentices and trainees have a successful start to their career and industry continues to support the apprenticeship and traineeship system.
To find out more about Big Build Apprenticeships visit apprenticeships.vic.gov.au/big-build-apprenticeships.
As stated by Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson
"We are providing training pathways towards rewarding careers, and the Big Build Apprenticeships program is achieving just that for hundreds of trainees and apprentices."
"We recognise the value that Victoria's bright, ambitious and diverse apprentices bring to our building sites, which is why we're leading the way in the construction industry by setting workforce targets for our own projects."
As stated by Minister for Housing Colin Brooks
"It's been wonderful to visit Big Housing Build sites recently and meet the wonderful apprentices who are building their careers while building housing for vulnerable Victorians."
As stated by apprentice Jenny Pace
"Returning to full-time work after 13 years as a mum and in casual work, my apprenticeship has given me the chance to enjoy learning again, and to feel engaged as part of a supportive community, which is something I feel a lot of gratitude for."
