The Andrews Labor Government’s record investment in infrastructure is creating jobs for more than 700 young apprentices and trainees, including placements on the state’s major road and rail projects.

Visiting the level crossing removal project at Carnegie, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan, Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos announced 743 positions had been created in the first 12 months of the Major Projects Skills Guarantee.

The Guarantee requires contractors on projects worth more than $20 million to ensure at least 10 per cent of their workforce is made up of apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets.

To date, 35 apprentices and trainees have been hired to work on the Caulfield to Dandenong project – with the total number expected to reach 200 over the life of the project.

In its first 12 months, the Guarantee has been applied to 15 major government projects – representing $5.3 billion in government investment. Over time it will be applied to a further 38 major projects worth $28 billion.

The Labor Government is supporting the growth of our apprentices and trainees through initiatives like the $9.3 million fund for Group Training Organisations to help more than 17,000 apprentices and trainees find a job.

The Government has also halved the cost of car registration for apprentices in the construction industry who use their car for work so they can pay for important things like tools.

Victoria’s record investment in infrastructure is set to create more than 20,000 jobs – including 4,500 jobs for level crossing removals, 6,600 jobs for the Metro Tunnel project and 5,600 on the Western Distributor.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“We’re giving young Victorians opportunities to thrive in the workforce and play a critical role in shaping some of the state’s biggest projects.”

“By ensuring our major projects include apprentices and trainees, we’re giving them the experience and skills they need for the future.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“We’ve always been strong supporters of apprentices and that’s why we’re giving hundreds of young Victorians the opportunity to get real hands-on training, while also contributing to the future of our state.”

“Despite a national decline in apprenticeships and traineeships, Victoria’s numbers have started to stabilise. We’re making sure every Victorians has the opportunity to access real training so they can get a job.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos

“This is an exciting project that will ease local traffic, speed up the trains and create a safer rail network.”

“It’s great to see young apprentices and trainees getting involved to make this project a reality.”