Inland Rail partnerships help provide pathway to employment

November 27, 2024

This article was first published by Rail Express on 26 Nov 2024. Click here to view the full article.

The course, conducted by Joel Thompson of YAKKA Training, gives the graduates the skills to start rewarding careers in rail construction. Image/Inland Rail

Fifteen young and disadvantaged Wagga Wagga locals have had their future career prospects boosted after completing a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure, facilitated by the Inland Rail Skills Academy (IRSA), that will help them secure future employment in the rail sector.

The five-week Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure course included a combination of theory work at Tolland Community Centre and practical work at Junee Rail Hub.

Gaining the Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure opens future career opportunities, including employment as a track labourer, track installer, or on the track maintenance crew.

The IRSA formed a partnership with an array of service providers to hold the course, during which students received theory and practical training covering work health and safety procedures, track fundamentals, operating minor mechanical equipment, track ballasting, and installing railway sleepers.

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, said that when Inland Rail were asked to join this important program the organisation knew it was an important initiative to be a part of.

“Being able to enjoy an engaging career is a crucial aspect of wellbeing and the qualifications gained during this Certificate II course will give participants a significant boost in gaining meaningful employment,” he said.

“This is an important partnership and we are proud to work alongside the members of this initiative to provide a positive pathway forward.

“Inland Rail is delivering real opportunities for regional communities. Through the Skills Academy, Inland Rail is significantly contributing to communities along the alignment by creating opportunities for education, training, skills development, and employment.”

IRSA offered the course after liaison with Wagga Wagga’s Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer, also working with NSW Police, 54 Reasons, Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Health Organisation, Anglicare, Argyle Housing and Junee Rail Hub.

Each organisation contributed to the delivery of the course by helping provide a venue, transport, mentoring services and catering.

The course, delivered by First Nations training provider YAKKA Training, concluded with a graduation ceremony on Friday 22 November at the Tolland Community Centre.