New recruits for state’s transport and roads agency

SEVENTY-ONE new apprentices and trainees are kicking off their careers at Transport for NSW worksites this month.

From filling potholes to rebuilding flood‑damaged roads, planning major works and maintaining heavy vehicles, the new Roads Maintenance and Resilience recruits will join and support frontline teams strengthening the state’s transport network.

Following group inductions in Wollongong, Newcastle and Dubbo, the new recruits will soon get their hands on the tools.

They join an existing group of 92 apprentices and trainees progressing through the program from previous intakes.

Participants have the opportunity to earn and learn on the job while developing practical skills in their chosen field, from civil construction and bridge maintenance to heavy diesel mechanics, business, finance and project management.

New recruit Maddi Ormsby said the Bridge Construction and Maintenance apprenticeship appealed to her because of the opportunity to do hands-on work outdoors.

“There’s such a great mix of bridges we look after, everything from concrete and timber structures to heritage ones,” Maddi said.

“We don’t just maintain them, we get the chance to build them too, and we work across all sorts of locations.

“I’ve only been in the job a few weeks, and I’ve already had the opportunity to travel and work in Singleton, Muswellbrook, Dunmore and Dungog.”

Matt Fuller, Deputy Secretary for Road Maintenance and Resilience at Transport for NSW, said the program gives “people real skills, real experience and a recognised qualification while boosting the capability of our workforce across NSW”.

“As they build their skills on live sites, they’re helping lift the resilience of our transport network and supporting the teams who keep NSW moving,” he said.

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said, “It is fantastic to see new apprentices and trainees starting their careers here in our region, including at the Waratah Depot.

“These young workers are gaining practical skills on live projects while helping maintain the roads and bridges our local community depends on.

“This investment strengthens our local workforce and ensures we have the capability to deliver the infrastructure our growing communities need.”