Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

Jenny Aitchison
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

MEDIA REALEASE

Build your future: Apprentices and trainees wanted for major regional transport projects in 2025

Wednesday, 31 July 2024

The NSW Government is looking for almost 60 new apprentices and trainees to kick off their careers by working on major transport projects in regional areas across the state in 2025.

Coby Burkill, currently in her second year of the program, exemplifies the transformative impact of the Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee Programs. She has been able to transition from hospitality to construction despite having no prior professional experience in the industry.

The Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee Programs give successful applicants paid training on the job while gaining valuable skills, and finishing with a nationally recognised qualification. 

Having grown up in regional NSW, Coby has always been hands-on, helping build sheds and more. Participating in the Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee Program has allowed her to hone these skills, learn new ones, and expand her career prospects - all while staying close to home and earning a living. 

The programs offer training in twelve different areas, such as 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 worked with local high schools in regional NSW during six industry days, giving students in years 10, 11, and 12 hands-on experience and information about these career options.

Diversity is important to the program, with 35 per cent of positions in the 2024 intake filled by women and around 24 per cent 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 Regional and Outer Metropolitan Apprentice and Trainee Program offerings, visit jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/go/Transport-for-NSW-Apprenticeships/5261010/ .

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

"The state finds 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 utilising 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 opening for 2025, 86 per cent 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 they 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 were 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 benefiting 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.