Computer Daily NewsNBN Workforce To Double To 9000 In $40mil. Jobs Drive
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NBN will double its workforce as it sets about recruiting and training an additional 4500 workers in a bid to accelerate its target to reach eight million homes 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 workers.
“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.
The company said it will particularly look to attract more mature people, offering them flexible career options. Particularly sought are “late-stage career workers looking to balance their hours with lifestyle and family.”
NBN said 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.
“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.”
NBN said it will establish a skills register to help record worker accreditation across the network. The company will also sign agreements with a number of TAFEs and registered training organisations, with providers in every major rollout region across the country.
The NBN is especially looking to add to its existing roster of copper cable jointers, lineworkers, cablers and telco technicians.
The majority of the new hires are earmarked to go to NSW and the ACT. Of the 4500 additional roles, 1300 positions are earmarked for deployment in NSW/ACT, while 850 will be added to the existing workforce in Queensland, another 850 in WA, 800 in Victoria, and 400 in South Australia and Northern Territory.
The workforce in Tasmania will be boosted by 200 roles.