Victoria’s Big Build is hiring. To help more Victorians get into work, the Andrews Labor Government is delivering 300 new building and construction sector apprenticeships and traineeships across Victoria by mid-2023.

Through Jobs Victoria, 300 Victorians will have the opportunity to undertake on-the-job training as the Labor Government works to meet industry demands and continue progress on Big Build and major infrastructure projects.

Career opportunities range from plumbing, electrical and engineering to civil construction, work health and safety, project management and more.

With an ‘earn and learn’ model, recruits can start working and earn an income from day one while training to build their skills for a new career – gaining an accredited qualification through TAFE or other registered training organisations.

Women and people from diverse backgrounds will play a key role in addressing skilled labour shortages in construction. Women currently represent just 11.6 per cent of the industry’s workforce and will be prioritised for 180 of the roles on offer.

Nadia Conte, 30, is one of those recruits currently undertaking a Certificate III in Carpentry while working on the Victorian Heart Hospital in Clayton.

Having spent her 20s travelling and working overseas, Nadia came home to Melbourne just as the pandemic hit and was looking for a new challenge.

Nadia was always tinkering with her dad’s tools as a child, making projects in the backyard and so leapt at the opportunity to undertake a carpentry apprenticeship and break down stereotypes in the construction industry.

People under 25, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, those from culturally diverse backgrounds, those facing long term unemployment are also strongly encouraged to apply for the roles.

The two-year program is being delivered by Apprenticeships Victoria and the Apprenticeship Employment Network.

The initiative is supported by the $250 million Jobs Victoria Fund, creating 10,000 steady and secure jobs in sectors where they’re needed most.

It’s just one way the Labor Government’s $619 million investment in Jobs Victoria is working to better connect people looking for work with employers who need staff.

People looking for work can register for the Jobs Victoria Online Hub and explore a range of other free employment support services on offer by visiting www.jobs.vic.gov.au.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“Our Big Build is supporting thousands of workers, apprentices and trainees across the state – as projects continue to deliver the infrastructure Victorians want and need.”