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First ‘Infrastructure Ready’ graduates hired on METRONET projects

A wave of subcontractors opportunities for the tunnel and station work packages will be released for the Cross River Rail project in the coming weeks.

The first graduates from the Western Australian Infrastructure Ready TAFE course have been employed on major METRONET projects.

Fifteen graduates have been hired for roles across major infrastructure projects including the METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension, METRONET Thornlie-Cockburn Link and High Wycombe Train Station. A further 35 students are currently enrolled in the Infrastructure Ready course, with almost half of this cohort women.

The program is expected to extend to regional Western Australia in 2021 as projects such as the Bunbury Outer Ring Road get underway.

On an average day, more than 40 pieces of heavy-duty plant equipment are operating across the Yanchep Rail Extension project’s six sites, and this will grow to up to 200 during peak construction, with almost 400 workers currently employed across all sites.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said his number one priority was local WA jobs.

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“METRONET is under construction across our suburbs and it’s employing local workers first, including new TAFE graduates – giving Western Australians real work opportunities,” he said.

“Our free short training courses aim to give graduates the job-ready skills they need to be immediately employable on our major infrastructure projects – and it’s working.

“With nine METRONET projects under construction this year, and several more in the procurement phase, we are creating thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local businesses.”

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the State Government has $12 billion worth of transport infrastructure projects planned or underway over the next four years, meaning it is crucial to have a skilled workforce that can deliver these major works.

“I met many of the students who graduated from the first cohort of the training course, only a few weeks ago, and it was so inspiring to hear their stories and why they had chosen to re-train,” Saffioti said.

“The METRONET Yanchep Rail Extension is tracking along with almost 400 workers directly employed across all sites and major works well underway.

“Combined with other major projects in the northern suburbs, including the Mitchell Freeway Extension and the rollout of Smart Freeways technology, we are creating local jobs and busting congestion.”

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said the Infrastructure Ready short course was developed in consultation with industry to ensure students gain the skills needed for entry-level civil construction jobs.

“The course is a vital launch pad to entry-level jobs in civil construction that will provide pathways to full qualifications. I encourage anyone interested in this field to apply.

“The program will help engage displaced workers, including young people, women and mature age job seekers, to meet immediate and emerging skills requirements.”

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