Beaudesert businesses keen to hop ‘on board’ with Inland Rail

Over thirty locals attended The Centre in Beaudesert on Thursday night to explore the employment opportunities Inland Rail may bring to the area.

Local employment services providers, high schools, apprenticeship support agencies and the Australian Government all took part in the event.

Inland Rail, which will be delivered by ARTC, is expected to support 11,800 direct and indirect jobs in Queensland at the peak of construction, and the events are focussed on helping businesses grow their workforce ahead of the project.

Attendees were given an overview of the project and typical supply opportunities, a snapshot of the local labour market and information on support available for businesses that take on apprentices and trainees.

ARTC Inland Rail Health, Safety and Environment Director Steve Jones said:

“Inland Rail is about delivering real and lasting opportunities for regional communities.

“While we’re expecting to generate direct and indirect jobs during construction, we’re also working to prepare communities for other project opportunities by helping to upskill the local workforce.

“The event proved to be a great opportunity for local businesses to meet with employment service providers and other stakeholders in the region to make connections and grow their workforce.

“The Inland Rail Skills Academy is focusing on building the skills needed for the next generation of rail workers, many of which will be based in regional communities ensuring the operation and maintenance of our new networks as they come online.”

TOP IMAGE: More than 30 interested businesses attended the Inland Rail workforce development event at The Centre in Beaudesert on Thursday night.

BELOW IMAGE: Inland Rail Stakeholder Engagement adviser Karen Hillery and Inland Rail Academy Principal Lead Jane Roberts at the Beaudesert workforce development event.