The Andrews Labor Government is delivering a major boost for local jobs in Ballarat with recruitment underway for skilled manufacturing, procurement, testing, and factory fit-out roles as part of the X’Trapolis 2.0 train build.

The Labor Government is delivering 25 more accessible, reliable and energy efficient X’Trapolis 2.0 trains – supporting around 750 jobs across manufacturing and the supply chain, including up to 150 in Ballarat during the project.

The $986 million project is funded through the Victorian Budget 2021/2022 to gradually replace Melbourne’s long-serving Comeng fleet on the Craigieburn, Upfield and Frankston lines – increasing accessibility and improving journeys.

A minimum 60 per cent local content quota will ensure local jobs are maximized and the project will include at least five per cent trainee and apprenticeship positions.

Work to upgrade Alstom’s Ballarat manufacturing facility will also begin ahead of manufacturing starting later this year. The new design will add capacity and ensure the workshop meets modern standards. The upgrades will include renewing track, overhead cranes, digging pits to access underneath the trains, new workshop, testing facilities, and storage area.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested over $7.5 billion to deliver a pipeline of hundreds of new trains, trams and buses which is supporting thousands of jobs in Victoria’s advanced rolling stock manufacturing industry.

More information about how to get involved in the X’Trapolis 2.0 Project visit www.alstom.com/careers

Quotes attributable to Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“It’s exciting to see this significant project getting underway – delivering hundreds of jobs and improving accessibility on our transport network.”

“We’re proud to be building trains in Victoria, for Victoria, and this is another important project that supports advanced manufacturing in our state.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We will see major benefits across the community with this major recruitment drive – providing not only manufacturing jobs but a significant economic boost to Ballarat and the region.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“This important investment will breathe new life into this historic railway facility, and I look forward to seeing production on the X’Trapolis trains get underway later this year.”