Serco is proud to host three trainees at Clarence Correctional Centre through the NSW Government’s new infrastructure traineeship program.
Due to begin in October, the three female trainees will gain valuable experience in a significant State infrastructure project developed through a Public Private Partnership. Serco’s delivery of essential services at Clarence Correctional Centre provides the perfect platform for trainees to develop a rounded view of the infrastructure sector.
General Manager Glen Scholes said that the traineeships were an opportunity for Serco to continue its commitment to supporting the local community and young people in regional areas.
“Over 65 per cent of staff employed at the centre come from the Clarence Valley, and we are excited to be offering traineeships to local school leavers,” Mr Scholes said.
“Young people aged 18-20 are the most represented age group in the unemployment statistics caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, so these traineeships will provide career pathways for the future within their own local area.”
Designed around an eight-month rotation, the program gives trainees exposure to the broader infrastructure industry, helping them to understand the important role each partner and organisation plays in the successful delivery of public infrastructure.
“When we learned about this program, we immediately saw an opportunity to provide meaningful opportunities to up-skill young people and couldn’t wait to get involved,’ Mr Scholes said.
“These trainees have spent the first part of the program based in the Clarence Valley with Transport for NSW and we want to ensure they can continue their studies, even in these unprecedented times.
“Our trainees will be in office-based roles under the guidance of our Facilities Maintenance team who are responsible for maintaining the site that spans more than 195 hectares, with 65 buildings and a massive 200,000 fixed and loose assets.”
The NSW Government Infrastructure Traineeship program commenced in 2020 with 137 Year 12 school leavers taking their first step towards a career in infrastructure. To complement their ‘on the job’ learning, trainees will study one day per week to complete their qualification in either Business, Project Management Practice, Procurement or Surveying through TAFE NSW.
Clarence Correctional Centre is a partnership including Serco, CSNSW and NorthernPathways. The Centre is expected to inject $560 million into the local Clarence Valley economy over the next 20 years.