The Engineering Pathways Industry Cadetship (EPIC) for refugee and asylum seeker engineers will begin in February 2020.
The 18-month program provides EPIC cadets with opportunities to work on major transport infrastructure projects.
Almost 30 new recruits signed up for the program, which is led by the Level Crossing Removal Project.
Employers from the Victorian Government and private industry, including Metro Trains, V/Line and Fulton Hogan, have signed on to support these vital roles across transport infrastructure and construction.
Cadets will receive on-the-job training, support and mentoring and will also complete an accredited Graduate Certificate in Infrastructure Engineering qualification.
The Graduate Certificate, combined with their international qualifications, will certify cadets as qualified engineers in Australia, making it easier to apply for engineering roles locally in a market crying out for more skilled engineers.
The industry-first program aims to bridge the gap faced by new Australians in matching international qualifications while seeking employment in their new home.
The paid cadetship will provide valuable local experience and access to industry networks – both of which are often barriers to new Australians accessing professional employment.
With 119 major road and rail projects currently in planning and construction across the state, Victoria needs qualified engineers, such as our EPIC cadets, to see out the work over the next two decades.
