Rising rapidly on Geelong’s waterfront, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre development is also setting the pace for work opportunities for people who have experienced barriers to employment.
Through a joint Victorian Government, industry and community program called GEESP, 43 apprenticeships have now been created and more than 37,000 hours of on-the-job training delivered across trades including carpentry, plumbing and electrical.
It’s a number expected to reach 45,000 hours by time the project is completed next year, showcasing the skills and jobs-creation power of government projects with a social procurement focus.
The GEESP program creates career pathways in construction via nationally accredited qualifications. GEESP was co-designed by Development Victoria, the Give Where You Live Foundation’s GROW initiative, and social enterprise gforce, and is being delivered by Nyaal Banyul head contractor, Built.
Many of the program’s participants faced significant barriers to work before stepping onto site – long-term unemployment, educational challenges, or limited industry access. They’ve now benefited from access to 12 weeks of fully funded training at the Gordon TAFE, pre-employment guidance, on-site work experience and mentoring.
Excitingly, GEESP has recently celebrated its first apprentice to move into ongoing employment with Faulkner Roofing, a Geelong company that has installed 8,000 square metres of roofing at the convention centre precinct.
Georgia, now an Apprentice Roof Plumber, marvelled at how life changing being part of the GEESP program has been.
“I’ve only ever been a cleaner, so going into this was eye-opening and it’s definitely taught me a lot. Getting permanently employed from the GEESP program by Faulkner Roofing was amazing. It’s changed my life in many ways. I have a career now.”
Beyond the career-shaping apprenticeship opportunities, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre development has also created 1,450 jobs during construction. And there are hundreds more expected once the project finishes.
CEO of the Give Where You Live Foundation, Zac Lewis highlights how the GEESP program helps to create a fairer Geelong community.
“We know that inclusive employment changes lives and the GEESP program at Nyaal Banyul, supporting 43 apprentices, is proof of that. GEESP reflects one of the Give Where You Live Foundation’s key priorities, ensuring that everyone who wants to work has the opportunity and support they need to participate in meaningful employment.”
Through Nyaal Banyul, GEESP is delivering opportunity, agency, and transformation that lasts. It’s a success story that has the power to reshape public confidence in inclusive employment as a driver of lasting community wellbeing.
The Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre is funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments and the City of Greater Geelong through the Geelong City Deal.