Shotcreters graduate from new course

Six NorthConnex staff members have graduated from ‘Applied Shotcrete Underground’ at the NorthConnex Training Hub and are the first on the project to do so. NorthConnex has worked closely with Normet, the supplier of the shotcrete rigs for the project and training simulator, as well as Health and Safety Advisory Services (HSAS), to develop the specialised training program in-house.

 About 23 kilometres of tunnels are being excavated across the NorthConnex project, which will require more than 500,000 cubic metres of shotcrete and concrete to line the tunnels and build the road base. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro attended the graduation ceremony and presented the graduates with their certificates and congratulated them on their achievement. 

NorthConnex Hub

NorthConnex has a number of training and employment targets that are designed to increase the skills of our existing workforce, provide opportunities for young people, disadvantaged and under-represented groups. It will also target workers from Western Sydney and the Central Coast to help address the state’s skill’s shortages. Our targets are:

• Five per cent Indigenous representation of staff and labour across the project (direct and in-direct)
• 20 per cent of all trade work completed by apprentices
• Overall up skilling of Lendlease Bouygues Joint Venture staff and workforce

To help us achieve these targets, we have established a dedicated training and employment facility, known as NorthConnex Hub. The $10 million investment during the life of the project is expected to deliver training to more than 300 workers. Courses delivered include Cert III Civil Construction, mobile plant operation, leadership programs, cultural heritage awareness, first aid, product quality, financial acumen, MATES in Construction, emergency and crisis management, fatigue and resilience. 

Employment

Working for NorthConnex is not just a job but an opportunity to build your career working on Australia’s longest road tunnelling project. We are committed to providing flexible and varied employment opportunities in a safe, nurturing and innovative work culture. With about 1500 workers currently spread across 11 worksites, we are on the look-out for tunnellers, engineers, cost controllers and everyone in between. We promote excellence in safety, collaboration and respect to ensure employees reach their goals and are rewarded and recognised for their work. Employment opportunities are listed on the Bouygues Construction Australia and Lendlease websites as well as Seek.

Industry

NorthConnex is committed to supporting local industry and proudly supports the Australian Industry Participation (AIP) policies and programs aimed at encouraging opportunities for Australian industry to compete for work in major public and private projects. You can view a copy of the NorthConnex AIP plan summary here. 

Throughout 2016, up to 99 per cent of purchase orders were through Australian suppliers. This includes rebar and mesh, steel products, rock bolts, power tools, hoses, fixings, valves, conduits and other general consumables.