Rail Network Alliance and First Nations Program
Metro Tunnel contractor Rail Network Alliance (RNA) comprising John Holland, CPB Contractors, AECOM, Alstom, Metro Trains Melbourne, and Metro Tunnel Project Office is delivering works that will enable the operation of the Metro Tunnel and the High-Capacity Metro Trains.
The First Nations Program at RNA has provided career pathways, support and opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal People. This program grew from conversations between Rail Network Alliance and Victoria Police.
Since 2017, Victoria Police has partnered with Skillinvest to provide employment pathways for secondary school students who identify as Indigenous via a two-year School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship program (SBAT) , funded by Jobs Victoria.
Through conversations between RNA and Victoia Police, it was found that most participants who go through the program do not have the opportunity to go on to further study or progress skills learnt from the program.
The First Nations program has filled that gap – providing a traineeship, mentoring and support to complete a Certificate IV training in Business Management for people following their School-Based Apprenticeship.
The program is creating employment opportunities for Victorian Aboriginal People and a more diverse rail industry.
Two participants in the program – Lester and Sebastian – were able to complete their Certificate IV studies through RNA.