The Gold Coast light rail project is the “perfect place” to nurture much-needed skills for Queensland’s rail industry said minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek.
The minister visited the Paradise Waters construction site earlier this year to present certificates to the first 20 graduates of McConnell Dowell’s – a construction partner of GoldLinQ – up-skilling initiative.
“It is wonderful to see a project of this scale employing local workers and providing opportunities for those workers to gain qualifications that will serve them into the future,” Mr Langbroek said.
Mr Langbroek said there are are currently another 39 workers undertaking civil construction traineeships with more than 80,000 hours invested in training so far, with the qualifications recognised and transferable.
BUSY At Work Gold Coast have helped with organising the traineeships for the rail initiative.
BUSY At Work Industry Training Consultant Sheldon Lemusu attends the trainees Toolbox meetings as early as 04:00 on the odd occasion, also completing contact visits at these meetings.
“The next 12 months will be a critical time for the light rail project and skilled workers will be needed to get the job done quickly, safely and with minimal disruption to the local community,” Mr Langbroek said.
The $1.2 billion development will ease traffic congestion in the city and help to support future growth in the region, becoming Queensland’s first light rail network.
The project may also help to foster further apprenticeships in the Gold Coast.
