Boosting skills for Aboriginal tradespeople

Aboriginal tradespeople including apprentices are being urged to pick up the tools and register to take part in a free practical training course to upskill and boost the number of certified people who can install rural water meters across regional NSW.

Irrigation Australia Limited is today delivering the first of three nationally accredited courses which will equip people with the right skills and knowledge to become an irrigation meter installer, validator and duly qualified person in a hands-on learning experience that includes on-the-ground assessments.

The course will cover everything from how to install and maintain rural water meters, the rules and policy around meter installation, workplace health and safety, and identifying risks and impacts on the environment.

Under non-urban metering reforms, water users are required to install compliant metering and measurement equipment to help better manage water resources across the state, particularly given that more than half of regional NSW is already feeling the impacts of El Niño.

Non-indigenous staff working for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses are also encouraged to pick up the tools and register.

There is a limit of 15 participants in each session, so anyone still interested is encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

Aboriginal participants will also have their accommodation, food and travel expenses covered.

However, Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses will only have their accommodation and food paid for.

The three-day courses are being held on:

• Hunter Valley: Tuesday 12 December – Thursday 14 December 2023
• Hunter Valley: Tuesday 30 January – Thursday 1 February 2024
• Deniliquin: Tuesday 20 – Thursday 22 February 2024

People have until 9 January 2024 to sign up for the second session and until 30 January 2024 to sign up for the third session. More sessions may be added due to high demand.

The initiative has been made possible by the Australian Government’s $1 million First Nations Traineeship program.

For more information visit Training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to install non-urban water meters.

Quotes attributable to Darren Murray, Director of Aboriginal Water, NSW Department of Planning and Environment - Water:  

“If you’re a plumber, electrician, landscaper, or other qualified tradesperson this is a fantastic way to put another notch in your toolbelt and diversify your skills which could open doors to more employment opportunities.

“If you’re an Aboriginal tradie and want to get involved, we’ll also pick up the bill for your accommodation, food and travel expenses to make it as easy as possible to take part.

“Irrigation Australia is a nationally recognised organisation and has years of experience running this course, so we have complete confidence the next crop of installers will be the best of the best.

“Making sure we have enough skilled people to install metering equipment across all corners of regional NSW is critical and makes the road to compliance a smooth journey for water users.

“This is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to increase job opportunities for Aboriginal people, opening the door for them to work in the water sector in their own backyards.”