A new adult education program pioneered by Winslow Constructors and Mirvac is expected to create up to 1000 local jobs in a new community in Melbourne’s rapidly growing northern suburbs.
Winslow has partnered with Mirvac and not-for-profit education provider Prace to launch the program at the 465-hectare Olivine community in Donnybrook.
The Civil Construction Labourer program is expected to create up to 1000 local jobs throughout the development of the Olivine community to deliver lifelong learning and local employment opportunities for Melbourne’s growing northern growth corridor.
The program will be launched on Monday, November 29, 2021, at Olivine with the Minister for Higher Education and Training, The Honourable Gayle Tierney MP, Winslow Managing Director Dino Strano, Mirvac Head of Residential Stuart Penklis, City of Whittlesea Administrator Peita Duncan, and Prace chief executive Paddy McVeigh, in attendance.
The Civil Construction Labourer program is part of a range of vocational and pre-employment training and TAFE pathways.
Winslow Constructors’ Executive General Manager Rohan Davidson said the company aims to “close the loop” between education and employment, providing pre-employment training for the civil construction industry and direct pathways to employment with Winslow.
“The adult learning program has been designed to ensure students receive relevant training and experience, providing the best possible opportunities for future employment in the civil construction industry,” Mr Davidson said.
“Winslow Constructors has committed to delivering up to 15 local jobs for the first intake of students and we expect this to grow, with the civil construction industry experiencing growth within the area and an existing lack of pre-qualified personnel for recruitment.”
Winslow’s Learning and Development Business Partner Caden Harte said the Civil Construction Labourer program gives those taking the course an opportunity to gain employment within the Winslow Group, or with a company in its supply chain
“There have been a range of pre-employment style programs offered for civil construction over the years, and where appropriate Winslow has supported these efforts by offering employment to suitable program graduates,” Mr Harte said.
“With Prace and the Pre-Employment Hub at Olivine, Winslow has had the unique opportunity to co-design the offering from the ground up, to help prepare workers specifically to work on Winslow sites, either as a direct hire through one of our companies or via our supply chain.
“This has resulted in a unique offering, with training aimed specifically at employability skills that are not typically taught in the white card or other industry preparation style courses.
“This same course of study also prepares students to transition naturally into the Certificate III Civil Construction, which provides a strong base for them to continue to build their careers with Winslow.”