NBN rollout will create jobs for Tasmania

Tasmania’s politicians have welcomed news that up to 800 new jobs will be created during the final construction stage of the National Broadband Network in Tasmania. The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) has forecast that a workforce of up to 800 will be required at the peak of construction in 2015.

Nick McKim, Minister for Education and Skills, said the rollout will generate significant training and employment opportunities for Tasmanian job seekers, including workers transitioning from other industries.

“$1.3 million will be available to provide up to 300 pre-employment training places in Certificate II and III in Telecommunications, and up to 100 traineeship places for a Certificate II and III in Telecommunications,” said McKim.

“The majority of the anticipated workforce is expected to involve labourers, cablers, earthmoving plant operators, telecommunications linesworkers and road traffic controllers.”

Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings welcomed NBN Co’s announcement that all Tasmanian homes and businesses will be connected to the NBN or next-generation satellite and wireless in the next four years.

“The entire Tasmanian rollout is expected to be completed by 2015 - a full five years before work on the mainland is due to end,” said Giddings.

Visionstream Australia, part of Leighton Contractors, has been awarded the $300 million contract for the final stage of the rollout.

“The contract will see creation of up to 800 new jobs at the peak of the rollout as well as a permanent workforce to undertake the ongoing maintenance of the fibre, including future upgrades,” Giddings said.

“In particular, it is expected to provide employment opportunities for workers who have been displaced by ongoing changes in the forestry industry. These forest workers will be actively identified and supported through skills assessment, aptitude testing, targeted training and transition support.”

NBN Co plans to release its Three-Year Rollout Plan in the near future, which will provide details of the NBN delivery to remaining towns and suburbs.