Community & Business
13 September, 2022
ARTC event discusses workforce
More than 50 have people attended the latest in a string of workforce development events run by ARTC to explore opportunities Inland Rail may bring to the region.
The gathering took place in the Empire Church Theatre in Toowoomba with local employment services providers, high schools, apprenticeship support agencies and the Australian Government taking part.
Inland Rail will be delivered by ARTC which says 11,800 direct and indirect jobs in Queensland will be supported by the project, at the peak of construction.
The workforce development events are focussed on helping businesses grow their workforce ahead of the project.
Attendees were given an overview of the project and typical supply opportunities, a snapshot of the local labour market and information on support available for businesses that take on apprentices and trainees.
“Inland Rail is about delivering real and lasting opportunities for regional communities,” ARTC Inland Rail health, safety and environment director Steve Jones said.
“While we’re expecting to generate direct and indirect jobs during construction, we’re also working to prepare communities for other project opportunities by helping to upskill the local workforce.
“The event proved to be a great opportunity for local businesses to meet with employment service providers and other stakeholders in the region
to make connections and grow their workforce,” Mr Jones said.
He said the Inland Rail Skills Academy was focusing on building the skills needed for the
next generation of rail workers.
Many of these workers would be based in regional communities, ensuring the operation and maintenance of the new networks as they came online, he said.
RIGHT: Regional Development Australia Darling Downs employ-ment facilitator Trudi Bartlett talks during the Inland Rail workforce development event at the Empire Church Theatre last Thursday.
