Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education

MEDIA RELEASE

Training program helps build a new future for refugees

Friday, 13 December 2024

The Minns Labor Government is helping address construction skills shortages and unlocking employment opportunities for some of the most vulnerable members of the community through a one-week training program in Coffs Harbour.

This week, 16 humanitarian refugees completed the Refugee Employment Pathways Program, receiving a certification to operate Front End Loaders and Excavators, making them job-ready and able to explore apprenticeship opportunities in the high-demand industry.

In collaboration with TAFE NSW participants from the Edizi, African, and Myanmar community were given hands-on training to enable them to work in the civil construction industry.

The program is organised by Purpose & Growth, an organisation that brings together government and community support groups, to provide relevant training for local refugees and address skills gaps. The NSW Department of Education has provided $30,000 to assist with training costs.

With the Federal Government projecting employment in the construction industry to grow by 12% in the decade to 2034, the program provides a timely and valuable pathway into a sustainable career.

This initiative will help build a pipeline of skilled workers to support the local civil construction industry, including one of NSW's largest infrastructure projects, the Coffs Harbour Bypass.

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

"This initiative is a win-win for the Coffs Harbour community and the 16 participants completing the program, who have come to Australia as humanitarian refugees and face language and skills barriers to gaining meaningful employment."

"By working collaboratively with local community organisations, this program will help some of our newest community members build their new lives with meaningful employment with critical skills.

"Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly our 16 newly trained front-end loaders and excavators!"

Director Infrastructure Energy & Construction Skills Team, Nicholas Bryant said:

"This program has allowed these participants to develop the skills and knowledge they need to work in the civil construction industry and apply for jobs in a booming skills area, helping to address the critical skills shortages."

"TAFE NSW prides itself on delivering hands-on training and providing opportunities for people to achieve their career aspirations. I'm proud of the progress these participants have made throughout the program and I'm confident they will be able to apply these skills and knowledge to future roles in the civil construction industry."