NSW Government Seeks Nearly 60 Apprentices and Trainees for 2025

ROBERT HEYWARD

The NSW Government is actively seeking nearly 60 new apprentices and trainees to work on major transport projects in regional areas across the state in 2025.

Coby Burkill, now in her second year of the program, exemplifes the transformative power of the Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee Programs. With no prior professional experience in construction, she successfully transitioned from hospitality to construction through this program.

The Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee Programs offer successful applicants paid, on-thejob training, allowing them to gain valuable skills and complete a nationally recognized qualifcation. Having grown up in regional NSW, Coby has always been hands-on, helping build sheds and more. Through the program, she has honed these skills, learned new ones, and expanded her career prospects—all while staying close to home and earning a living.

The programs offer training in twelve different areas, including Civil Construction, Business, Finance, Fitter, Plant Mechanic, Project Management, Bridge Construction and Maintenance, Heavy Diesel Mechanical, Metal Fabrication, Painting and Decorating, Electrical, and Operational Management Systems.

Earlier this year, Transport for NSW collaborated with local high schools in regional NSW during six industry days, providing students in years 10, 11, and 12 with hands-on experience and information about these career options. Diversity is a key focus of the program, with 35% of positions in the 2024 intake flled by women and around 24% by Indigenous Australians.

Applications for the 2025 Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee Programs are open now and close at midnight on Wednesday, 28 August 2024. For more information about the 2025 program offerings, visit Transport for NSW Apprenticeships.

Minister for Skills, TAFE, and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan, said: “The state fnds itself crying out for more apprentices and trainees after more than a decade of neglect from the former government. The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in hiring new apprentices and trainees, which will help build better communities across NSW. The work these new apprentices and trainees will undertake will make a real difference across NSW by delivering vital infrastructure projects that communities rely on. Alongside our commitment to deliver 1,000 additional apprentices and trainees across New South Wales Government agencies, this work demonstrates our commitment to strategically utilizing government as a genuine contributor to training the skilled workforce of the state’s future.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:

“The NSW Government is committed to providing opportunities to the next generation of skilled workers wherever they live, and of the new openings for 2025, 86% are based in regional NSW. Building a strong and agile team of skilled workers in the regions, to construct and maintain vital infrastructure, is crucial in keeping the state moving. This is an investment in people. These positions are designed to kick-start careers in the regions, boost the current workforce, and create a pipeline of meaningful work into the future. These entry-level programs not only strengthen our workforce but also encourage diversity and inclusion, and we are extremely proud to increase Aboriginal and female representation at

Transport for NSW.” Bridge Construction and Maintenance Apprentice, Coby Burkill, said: “When I saw that Transport for NSW was advertising for a Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprentice in my region, I was immediately interested because I love working with my hands. I enjoy my job because every day is different. I’m learning a broad range of skills from my workmates and I’m always proud to see a project that I’ve worked on benefting so many people in my community. The application process was easy, and I’d recommend anyone looking for a rewarding career to check out what positions are available and give it a go. It’s changed my life.”