Speed-dating format gives Clontarf students employment pathway options
First Nations students from the Clontarf Foundation had an opportunity to learn more about local employment options, including what it takes to work on the Inland Rail project, during a special employment forum in Wagga Wagga last week.
August 8, 2025
Using a ‘speed dating’ format, small groups of Clontarf students had ten minutes to chat with businesses and learn all they could about employment opportunities in the region, including working in the rail industry.
Eighteen businesses from the infrastructure, manufacturing, construction and rail industries were invited to the RSL Club in Fernleigh Road, Wagga Wagga, where they shared all they could with the students in ten minute slots.
The students had their chance to put the businesses to the test, asking what career paths were available and whether there were any jobs currently on offer.
Supporting the Clontarf Riverina Employment Forum is part of the Inland Rail Skills Academy’s mission to prepare communities along the alignment to train and find work ready for employment in the rail industry.
Between July 2023 and April 2025, 697 people worked on the Inland Rail project between Stockinbingal and Parkes, of whom 202 were local residents, 78 were First Nations and 66 were women, with Inland Rail spending $16.3 million with 134 local businesses over that period.
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, said:
Inland Rail is proud to support the Clontarf Foundation in this innovative way of helping First Nations youth find their path into employment, including potential opportunities in the rail industry.
The quick-fire format enabled as much information to be shared as quickly as possible and allowed the students to gain as much as they could from a wide array of employers.
We are grateful to all the businesses who volunteered to take part and be placed under a fair amount of pressure– they had to say as much as they could in a very short window.
