100 strong – the Gold Coast project giving apprentices their career start

BESIX Watpac’s National Workforce Training Manager Tim Lyne, said the incredible milestone was thanks to BESIX Watpac’s relationship with its network of subcontractors.

“We’ve worked really hard with our subcontractors to ensure we achieved our target number of apprentices on this project,” he says.

“The challenging aspect of meeting any target is developing an effective engagement strategy with our supply chain.

On Queensland Government jobs, builders must adhere to the Queensland Training Policy which mandates that projects valued over $100M achieve a 15% training outcome, compared to 10% for smaller projects.

“With the Gold Coast project valued just a little over $100M, we faced challenges in setting higher benchmarks for subcontractors.

“By utilising industry skills groups and state government departments we were able to work with our local subcontractors to support them in providing employment opportunities for apprentices and trainees.”

As Queensland commences construction on several hospital builds across the state, the apprentices and trainees employed on this project will be invaluable in servicing all of industry and combating the skills shortages.

Echoing Tim's sentiments, BESIX Watpac Project Manager Jackson Bailey emphasised that the apprentices involved in the project have gained invaluable experience that will greatly benefit their careers in the long run.

“This project is an incredible learning ground for apprentices especially with all the health infrastructure development BESIX Watpac is delivering not only in Queensland but across the country,” he says.

The Gold Coast Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit is a two-level facility planned to open in 2025. It will include consulting and therapy rooms, interview spaces, 20 bedrooms per floor, courtyards, and essential medical support areas.