In a bid to curb a telco skills shortage, nbn has launched its Career Start campaign aimed at attracting and training potential employees to its network.
It is working with service delivery partners on employment and training programs that lead to industry recognised qualifications.
The Career Start campaign aims to attract about 2000 candidates with minimal or no previous telco experience such as recent school leavers.
nbn CEO, Bill Morrow, said the Career Start campaign will be a key plank in future-proofing the Australian telecommunications workforce.
“At present a large proportion of the Australian telecommunication industry workforce are due to retire in around five years’ time,” Morrow said.
“Without the Career Start campaign, we believe that we would be potentially staring down the barrel of a telecommunications skills shortage in Australia.”
It has also selected 10 approved training providers including ASG Integracom Management Group; Blue Sky Academy; Careers Australia Institute of Training; Celemetrix Professional Services Pty Ltd; Chisholm Institute; Federation Training; Holmesglen Institute of TAFE; JB Hunter Technology; Ramsden Telecommunications Training; and Programmed Skilled Training Services.
The Career Start campaign is part of nbn’s $40 million Industry Workforce Development Program, aimed at stimulating the employment of around 4500 skilled workers to construct, operate and maintain the nbn network as well as setting up and maintaining a national skills register.
There are also other campaigns planned for experienced telco workers and individuals looking at switching careers.
Successful candidates will be employed by a service delivery partner or sub-contractor, have access 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.
Once the nbn network is completed, long-term opportunities will exist as the network moves into operation and maintenance.
nbn anticipates that Career Start participants would have an advantage in securing future Telco positions with their qualifications and practical on the job experience.
