More Victorians will have the opportunity to find work on large government projects, with targeted job support programs and stronger requirements to buy and hire locally for major projects, as part of the Victorian Budget 2018/19.
The Budget includes $29.7 million to help more Victorians get work on major projects and support the state’s thriving manufacturing industry.
This includes a $21.9 million boost to the Jobs Victoria program, which will help more than 2,000 Victorians find work. In addition, the Major Projects Skills Guarantee will be strengthened to include targeted support to help women, at risk youth and Indigenous Australians obtain work on major projects.
The Major Project Skills Guarantee mandates 10 per cent of total work hours on major infrastructure projects, including the Metro Tunnel and Level Crossing Removals, to be carried out by apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets.
The Budget also includes $4.9 million to create the Office of Industry Participation and Jobs and to expand the Industry Capability Network to Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and Shepparton. This will help ensure that Victorian businesses have opportunities to work on large government projects. It will also support the work of the new Local Jobs First Commissioner, once appointed.