nbn invests $40m in training workers

nbn, with its delivery partners, is about to embark on a significant recruitment and training drive to support the accelerated connection of eight million homes to the nbn network by 2020.

The current construction workforce is expected to double to 9000, with nbn committing nearly $40 million for training and awareness campaigns to help attract an extra 4500 workers into the industry.

“To bring high-speed broadband to Australians faster, our delivery partners will need a bigger pool of trained, skilled workers,” said nbn CEO Bill Morrow.

Flexible career options will be explored by construction partners to attract late-stage career workers looking to balance their hours with lifestyle and family. Roles in coaching and training for new industry entrants will harness their experience and provide valuable expertise to younger workers setting out in the industry.

nbn also aims to attract school leavers and workers rolling off other construction jobs, building a range of training and reskilling programs with tailored career paths. The intention is to expand the industry’s workforce to meet construction and activation requirements. Long-term opportunities will also be created as the network moves into ongoing operations and maintenance.

“To those with telco experience, there are options to use your skills or become a teacher and coach for the next generation of workers,” said Morrow.

“To those thinking about what course or career to pursue, our partners are developing options that will include training and real job opportunities on the nbn network over the long term.”

The occupations needed to meet nbn’s requirements include telco copper cable jointers, telco linesworkers, cablers, technicians and electrical linesworkers.

nbn is signing agreements with a number of training organisations, comprising TAFEs and registered training organisations, with providers in every major rollout region across the country. Further, a national nbn skills register will also be established to help record worker accreditations across the nbn network.

“Both the rapid rollout plan and the multitechnology mix means we need more people in our united partnership to connect eight million happy homes by 2020,” added Morrow.

“Together we aim to bring high-speed broadband to Australians to bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for business, health, education and entertainment.”