Training initiative bolsters employment in Toomelah
Inland Rail is already having a positive impact on the Toomelah community with a training initiative resulting in three local residents finding work with a fencing contractor.
September 3, 2021
Local fencing contractor Drillchan has been supporting the training course as part of an Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) funded initiative delivered by Boggabilla TAFE NSW.
Nine Toomelah residents took part in the latest block of training over eight weeks, with two participants already gaining employment and more hoping to find work soon.
The Toomelah Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) provided logistical support to the program and supported the development of the local workers.
LALC spokesperson Malcolm Peckham said the $4,000 grant from ARTC supplied the materials for the practical training and mentoring by fencing contractor Drillchan.
“Inland Rail will need a lot of workers when it comes to the North Star to Border section and we are looking forward to continuing our association with ARTC to have our people ready for any opportunities that come their way,” Mr Peckham said.
“The fencing training is about participants gaining the skills needed to enter the workforce. Now we’re looking to help the trainees put their newly acquired skills into practice.
“These are the type of practical skills our people can put into practice locally,” he said.
“Being a regional agricultural area there is always a need for fencing to be done.
“The participants enjoyed working outdoors with their hands so it was a great practical training course that will hopefully result in real jobs for those who took part.”
