nbn's campaign to address skilled telco shortage

nbn has launched a new campaign to attract a new generation of workers to build and maintain the nbn network, as well as address a telecommunications skills shortage.

The campaign coincides with the recent announcement of a three-year construction plan, which outlines the areas where construction is planned to commence by September 2018. This ramp-up of construction work on the network will need technically skilled workers with industry recognised qualifications.

“The nbn is Australia’s largest infrastructure project and it is absolutely vital that we have enough people to construct the network as we increase the pace of the rollout,” said nbn CEO Bill Morrow.

“At present, a large proportion of the Australian telecommunication industry workforce are due to retire in around five years’ time. Without the Career Start campaign, we believe that we would be potentially staring down the barrel of a telecommunications skills shortage in Australia.”

To help close the gap, nbn is working collaboratively on employment and training programs that lead to industry-recognised qualifications with the first campaign promoting an upskill training program targeted at youth to kickstart their telco career.

Morrow hopes the campaign will also provide a platform for young people already working in the industry to access further learning and development.

nbn said it is investing $40 million through an Industry Workforce Development program, aimed at generating employment for around 4500 skilled workers to construct, operate and maintain the nbn network.

Successful candidates will be employed by a Service Delivery Partner or subcontractor, have access to training paths that may lead to industry-recognised Cert II or III Telecommunication qualifications and be eligible to apply for federal, state and nbn subsidies.

The company said that once the network is completed, long-term opportunities will exist.

For further information, visit www.nbnco.com.au/careerstart.