EPIC program

About the program

The Engineering Pathway Industry Cadetship (EPIC) is an 18-month program for refugee and asylum seeker engineers working on major transport infrastructure projects. There are 20 cadets currently taking part in the program.

The industry-first program aims to bridge the gap faced by new Australians in matching their international qualifications to Australian workforce requirements.

Cadets receive on-the-job training, support and mentoring and also complete a postgraduate Graduate Certificate in Infrastructure Engineering Management through Swinburne University.

The Graduate Certificate, combined with their international qualifications and the workplace experience gained through the program, will kick-start the cadet's careers in engineering in Victoria.

The paid cadetship provides valuable local work experience and access to industry networks – addressing the barriers often faced by new Australians in accessing professional employment.

Led by the Level Crossing Removal Project, employers from across State Government and private industry have signed on to support these vital roles across transport infrastructure and construction.

Benefits

  • Paid 18-month cadetship providing valuable local work experience
  • On-the-job training and mentoring
  • Graduate Certificate in Infrastructure Engineering Management

Eligibility

  • Bachelor level qualification in Engineering (any) from overseas or locally
  • Full working rights under the following Visas:
    • Refugee visa (subclass 200)
    • Humanitarian visa (subclass 201)
    • Global Special Humanitarian visa (subclass 202)
    • Emergency Rescue visa (subclass 203)
    • Women at Risk visa (subclass 204)
    • Protection visa 866
    • Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785) (3 years)
    • Safe Haven Enterprise (SHEV) visa (subclass 790) (5 years)
    • Resolution of Status (RoS) visa (subclass 851)
    • Temporary Protection visa (subclass 786) - offered to Ukrainian nationals (3 years)
    • Bridging visas A-C, with working rights

How to apply

Applications for the 2024 program have now closed. Check back here in the future for new program dates.

Past EPIC employers

70 cadets have been employed through the program to date.

Program video

Further information

This program is run by Training for the Future through the Level Crossing Removal Project – a project office of the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority delivering Victoria's Big Build.