A new wave of high-vis army has been deployed to help build the State's infrastructure with the program now expanded to include sparkies and plumbers.
The Tasmanian Government's highly successful High-Vis Army Program partners with the building and construction sector to deliver the next generation of tradies – with more than 3,000 trainees, apprentices, students and teachers participating.
The program has now been expanded to include the Master Plumbers Association of Tasmania and the National Electrical Contractors Association, alongside Master Builders Tasmania, Housing Industry Tasmania and Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said with Tasmania's infrastructure pipeline reaching $30 billion over the next ten years, the state needs thousands more tradies to help deliver it.
"Our High Vis Army is designed to build and train the next generation of workers we need to deliver this critical infrastructure and housing.
"If you wear a high-vis – our Government is your greatest supporter.
"We want to see more Tasmanians picking up the tools and taking on apprenticeships – helping build our state's future."
Minister for Skills and Training, Felix Ellis, said the second wave of the High-Vis Army program is all about maximising student numbers, increasing the diversity of participants and attracting new vocational teachers to the training industry.
"The High-Vis Army program – in partnership with industry - is a critical part in our plan to build the workforce who will build Tasmania," Minister Ellis said.
"By expanding the program to include sparkies and plumbers, we are securing more training opportunities across the board.
"Highlights of the first wave of the high-vis army included the construction of a new training facility in Cambridge which saw Master Builders train 280 students, 37 additional apprentices for the housing industry in regional areas, and 29 programs helping Tasmanians become job-ready.
"Our second wave will build on this work and expand training opportunities for Tasmanians, leading to more jobs and the delivery of faster and cheaper housing."
