As National Skills Week continues, the latest Jobs and Skills Report projects an increase of construction employment by more than 9% in the 10 years to 2033, indicating a strong demand for skilled workers in the construction industry.  

TAFE NSW, Australia’s largest registered training organisation, is building a strong pipeline of these workers through its range of civil construction courses, which is helping alleviate skills shortages across NSW. In Ballina, for example, there is strong demand for civil workers to fulfill key infrastructure projects led by the NSW government, private sector, and the Ballina Shire Council.

The Ballina Shire Council’s recently released 2024 Housing Strategy emphasises the need for civil and social infrastructure to support the projected local population growth of more than 27% to over 62,000 by 2046.  This year the Ballina Shire Council has allocated $78 million in capital expenditure, which includes local infrastructure projects such as the Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

Cooper Ivey is excited to contribute to building the future Ballina as a Civil Construction worker with Council. Starting his TAFE NSW studies  while still at high school with a Certificate II in Electrotechnology allowed Cooper (21) to explore different hands-on career pathways. Having graduated from both the Certificate II and Certificate III in Civil Construction and completing his apprenticeship in 2023 with the Ballina Shire Council, Cooper is now a permanent and well-regarded member of the Civil Construction team, contributing to important projects such as the water mains renewal program and improving infrastructure to residential subdivisions.

“I learned from the hands-on experience my TAFE NSW teachers’ industry knowledge and experience gave me,” he said.  “My teachers were awesome. They were really focused on safety, which is such a priority in the classroom and on any worksite. They had high professional expectations of us and were so supportive.”

“I have taken these learnings into working at Council, where my knowledge and experience has grown with the hand-in-hand support from the Council and TAFE NSW. I felt that I did everyone proud to take home the 2022 Novaskill Apprentice of the Year award.

“I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to get into trades, to start in high school, get the licenses you need, and try different trades to see what kind of industry you want to work in.”

Joshua Turner, Supervisor Utilities Construction for Council, said, “Since beginning his apprenticeship in civil construction, Cooper has been part of the ongoing water mains renewal program at Ballina Shire Council, including the major upgrade on Tamar Street and other key areas in Ballina.

“This renewal program has made a positive impact as it has updated many of Council’s water mains infrastructure therefore reducing a lot of main breaks. Our team has also been a part of a large undertaking to boost water pressure to various sub-divisions.

“Cooper’s  skill development and work ethic exceeded our expectations.  He is highly respected amongst his colleagues and management, which is a credit to his personal and professional qualities. He’s a great person to have in the team,” Mr Turner said.

Running from 19 to 25 August 2024 and in its 14th year, National Skills Week raises the profile and status of vocational learning in providing attractive career opportunities. With the average Australian changing employers every 3.3 years and the jobs market rapidly evolving, the week is key in educating people of all ages about how vocational education and training can empower them to pursue exciting career pathways. Importantly, these job choices can help plug significant skills gaps experienced by many Australian industries, helping strengthen our communities and economy.

The annual virtual TAFE NSW Open Day takes place during National Skills Week on 22 August, from 9 am to 4 pm. The online event is open to prospective and current students, teachers, industry partners, community connections, and the general public. Throughout, attendees can explore 12 webinars and other on-demand content, take a virtual campus tour, book one-on-one meetings with teachers, or join drop-in sessions to gather information they need to support their lifelong learning goals.

Register to attend via https://tafenswevents.eventsair.com/virtual-open-day-2024/register.