Training centre established for VIC level crossing removal project

The Victorian Government, in partnership with Chisholm Institute, has this week announced the establishment of the New Employment Exchange and Training (NEXT) centre as part of the level crossing removal project between Caulfield and Dandenong.

The NEXT centre will include a dedicated classroom and training space, a rail training centre, and opportunities for accelerated learning and on-the-job training on the $1.6 billion project which sees the removal of all nine level crossings along the Caulfield and Dandenong corridor.

The new centre will give opportunities to re-skill people from industries in decline such as the retrenched automotive workers, as well as students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, including Indigenous Victorians. The new training centre will create 2000 new jobs, with at least 200 being apprentices or graduate engineers.

The program will also provide Year 10, 11 and 12 students from local schools and pre-apprentices with access to construction-based work projects, as well as supervised work experience opportunities.

“We’re making sure all Victorians no matter their background have access to quality training. Chisholm is a fantastic Institute and I’m sure this partnership will be a success,” said Victorian Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert in a statement.

The Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removal project is expected to begin construction later this year, with all nine level crossings removed and the five new stations operating in 2018.