First students successfully graduate from Inland Rail’s Boggabilla TAFE course

Inland Rail is proud to announce that the first cohort of students has successfully graduated from the Inland Rail Skills Academy (IRSA) Foundation Course at the TAFE NSW Boggabilla, NSW.

In addition to developing skills in construction, students on the Foundation Course have accessed training in financial literacy, digital literacy, literacy, numeracy, and career preparation skills.

The successful graduates can now apply for positions working on the Inland Rail project with contractors such as Freight Connect, the preferred civil works contractor for the North Star to Border (NS2B) Inland Rail section.

Alternatively, graduates can also take their studies further by undertaking a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure – some graduates have already registered for this – or in Infrastructure and Resource qualifications.

Of the first eleven graduates from the program, five have fully completed a Certificate II in Construction, providing options for a range of careers. The remaining students have completed with competencies or part-qualifications.

In collaboration with TAFE NSW IRSA has funded the Foundation Course as part of our commitment to ensuring local and local First Nations people make the most of the employment opportunities on Inland Rail.

Inland Rail Director of Health, Safety & Environment, Steve Jones said:

“The graduation of our first students from the IRSA Foundation Course is a very proud moment for us and is a critical part of the legacy that we want to leave behind from Inland Rail.

“Inland Rail is not just about building the railway line, as important as that is, it’s also about building the capability and capacity of local communities to continue to grow.

“There is no better legacy than helping local people learn new skills that set them up for new careers that can help them build better lives for themselves and their families.

“We’re providing opportunities for local communities and businesses to participate in and benefit from the project, as well as develop skills and resources which will contribute to regional sustainability and prosperity.”