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Learn more18/06/2018
The HCMT Project will deliver up to 1,100 new jobs manufacturing, maintenance and supply chain across Victoria.
Evolution Rail (comprising Downer, CRRC Changchun and Plenary) has been engaged by the Victorian Government to deliver the world-class High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) fleet with the first train to enter testing by the end of 2018.
Evolution Rail’s approach to the HCMT Project will transform Melbourne’s public transport system with world-class trains while creating a sustainable, globally-competitive manufacturing industry with the capability to export to the world. The $2.3 billion project is the largest single order of trains in Victoria's history and one of the largest government spends in Victoria. The project will not only deliver much-needed public transport infrastructure, it will also drive jobs, industry development and prosperity for Victoria.
Evolution Rail targeted local suppliers with known capability.
More than 250 representatives from interested businesses participated in information roadshows.
The HCMT project is on track to exceed local business targets of 60 per cent for fleet construction, 87 per cent for depot construction, and 82 per cent during the maintenance phase.
Bendigo-based manufacturer Hofmann Engineering won the contract to manufacture the bogie frames for the HCMT Project and is now preparing to extend their services internationally through the production line of CRRC Changchun.
To fast-track the development of engagement with local suppliers, Evolution Rail actively engaged with Victorian manufacturing groups and government bodies including: South East Melbourne Manufacturing Association (SEMMA); Greater Bendigo Economic Development Unit (GBEDU); Ballarat Manufacturing Productivity Network (BMPN); Industry Capability Network (ICN); Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC); Invest Victoria; and LaTrobe Valley Regional Development Fund.
The size and scale of the HCMT Project is enabling the consortium to create meaningful opportunities for regional Australia, and sustainable high-skill, high-value jobs in key regional growth areas such as Newport, Bendigo, Pakenham, Hallam and Morwell.
They are achieving this by:
The HCMT Project has a commitment to workers facing barriers to employment, with a target of seven per cent of the workforce to comprise Indigenous Australians, the long term unemployed and people with a disability.
We have engaged a support network of specialist providers across the disadvantaged worker sector including the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator and AFL SportsReady.
We have also provided disadvantaged workers with facilitated development opportunities through our Career Start program, offering the opportunity to complete accredited apprenticeships and traineeships. Disadvantaged workers who maintain an existing skill are offered the opportunity to participate in a Career Restart program to assess their current skills and capabilities against a defined role.
Downer has partnered with The WorkFocus Group, appointed by the Federal Government as the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC). This partnership developed a focus on long-term sustainable changes to employment and workforce practices which will see many candidates enter our workforce.
Sustainable Development Goals: