More than 30 locals and business representatives attended the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Skills Academy (IRSA) event to hear how government agencies and employment services can help businesses grow or upskill their staff through apprenticeships and traineeships.
Attendees included local excavation operators, accommodation providers, engineering services, fleet managers, and jobs, skills and training providers.
They received an overview of the Inland Rail project, an explanation of potential supply opportunities, a snapshot of the local labour market and information about support available from the Australian Government for businesses that take on apprentices and trainees.
Construction contractor, McConnell Dowell also provided firsthand knowledge from working on the project.
Inland Rail will support hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in Victoria throughout construction supporting complementary business investment and expansions within the region.
Patricia Cochrane, The Personnel Group Employment Consultant from Kilmore said:
'The information provided at the event was informative and relevant.
'The speakers were very well informed and provided a professional and educational precis of the Inland Rail project.
'The meet and greet opportunity with other business representatives was invaluable and we appreciate being a part of this event.'
Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australia Projects General Manager said:
'We're delighted with the number and capability of the businesses in Seymour and surrounds who attended the workforce event.
'These events help us to make sure we deliver real and lasting opportunities for regional communities.
'While we're expecting to generate direct and indirect supply and job opportunities during construction, we're also working to prepare communities for other project opportunities by helping to upskill local and First Nations businesses.
'Our workforce development events are just part of Inland Rail's commitment to communities where Australia's largest freight project is being built and operated.
'With Inland Rail already delivering business uplift and jobs confidence in communities along the rail corridor, workforce events such as these will help ensure Inland Rail's positive impacts go beyond the construction period for the project.'
