MS TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education) (11:07): Connecting Victorian jobseekers with opportunities is what this government is all about, and that is what the North East Link Skills and Jobs Centre is achieving. The centre is connecting people to the 10 000 jobs that are available on the North East Link Project, creating a pipeline of skilled workers to help build Victoria’s future. This project is the biggest road project in the state’s history and forms part of the $33 million Big Build apprenticeship program, which will provide 1500 opportunities to Victorian apprentices and trainees each year for four years. The Big Build apprenticeship program and the implementation of the TAFE demonstration projects are truly groundbreaking. With the $15.8 billion North East Link Project, the $1.5 billion Footscray Hospital and the Warrnambool library and learning hub, this government is building important infrastructure for this state. We are creating exceptional employment and training opportunities that are a real investment in our future. At least 10 per cent of the construction hours on these projects will be completed by apprentices and trainees, and I am proud that this government has taken the lead by establishing Apprenticeships Victoria, which is leading the way in reinventing the Victorian skills and training sector. This government looks at the big picture, and I am proud that we are delivering real outcomes. The North East Link Skills and Jobs Centre is connecting employers and industry with workers. We are training people and we are delivering jobs that are essential to this state’s future.
Gayle Tierney
Member for Western Victoria
