Local skilled workers, apprentices and trainees now have a greater opportunity to gain employment on the South Coast with the launch of the brand new Skills Training Hub.
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The training hub is one of four hubs being delivered alongside Roads and Maritime Services major projects, and can accommodate around 40 students.
The hub was officially opened by Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey, Kiama MP Gareth Ward and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock on Wednesday.
Safety administrator Mikayla Klusenberg, 18, is employed by Seymour White, the construction group responsible for the Berry to Bomaderry Princes Highway upgrade.
Currently completing a Certificate III in Business, Miss Klusenberg also uses the hub.
“It’s been great so far, the opportunities are endless,” she said. “Being in construction there’s so many paths you can take.
“I assist with the training, inductions and administration, I not only help out the safety team I also assist other departments.”
Minister Pavey said the Bomaderry Training Hub will focus on providing training and employment pathways to those currently under represented in the building and construction sector, including women, young people and Indigenous Australians.
“The Berry to Bomaderry Princes Highway upgrade is another initiative that will extend the benefits of the bricks and mortar by expanding the pool of skilled workers, delivering more jobs to the South Coast region,” Mrs Pavey said.
The training hub will off programs including the Certificate II in Civil Construction for Trainees, Certificates II, III and IV for Leading Hands and Supervisors, and short accredited course in the building and construction sector.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward said that the Berry to Bomaderry was just the start, with future hubs on the South Coast being planned for the Albion Park Rail bypass and the Nowra Bridge project.
“One of the reasons I stood for Parliament was the fix the Princes Highway – but the benefits of these upgrades aren’t just about travel times and road safety skills hubs will provide locals with a great opportunity to supercharge their skills, making them more competitive in the building and construction sector,” he said.
“Not only are these record investments in our infrastructure changing lives, we are also ensuring that local people can be part of delivering these massive infrastructure projects.”
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock said the hub would be available throughout the duration of the Berry to Bomaderry upgrade.
“Workers from the South Coast region will now have access to first class education and training opportunities which will benefit the local community for years to come,” Mrs Hancock said.
