Following on from the initial pilot event in Goondiwindi, more than 19 people attended the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre in Gatton last Thursday night to explore the opportunities Inland Rail may bring to the area.
Local employment services providers, high schools, apprenticeship support agencies and the Australian Government took part in the event.
Inland Rail, which will be delivered by ARTC, is expected to support 11,800 direct and indirect jobs in Queensland at the peak of construction, and the events are focussed on helping businesses grow their workforce ahead of the project.
Attendees were given an overview of the project and typical supply opportunities, a snapshot of the local labour market and information on support available for businesses that take on apprentices and trainees.
ARTC Inland Rail Health, Safety and Environment Director Steve Jones said:
"Inland Rail is about delivering real and lasting opportunities for regional communities.
"While we're expecting to generate direct and indirect jobs during construction, we're also working to prepare communities for other project opportunities by helping to upskill the local workforce.
"The event proved to be a great opportunity for local businesses to meet with employment service providers and other stakeholders in the region to make connections and grow their workforce.
"The Inland Rail Skills Academy is focusing on building the skills needed for the next generation of rail workers, many of which will be based in regional communities ensuring the operation and maintenance of our new networks as they come online."
IMAGE: Inland Rail Stakeholder Engagement Lead Kylie Wendell and Inland Rail Indigenous and Training Advisor Cathy Duncan welcome participants to the workforce and development event
