Job opportunities for certified water meter installers will grow in regional NSW as new water metering rules roll out over the next five years as part of the NSW Government's Water Reform Action Plan.
"The NSW Government is implementing some of the strongest metering rules in Australia to significantly improve the standard and coverage of non-urban water meters," Minister for Water Melinda Pavey said.
All meters – new or existing – covered by the new rules will need to have data logger and tamper-proof seals, and be validated by a certified meter installer to ensure they were properly installed.
"There are currently about 50 certified meter installers in NSW and another 130 people undergoing the certification process. To meet demand and perform ongoing checks we need to substantially increase those numbers," Ms Pavey said.
Irrigation Australia Limited, the peak body representing irrigation professionals, offers training and certification programs that will qualify people to provide metering services in accordance with the new rules.
"In NSW there has already been an increase in demand for certified meter installers, and Irrigation Australia has scheduled additional training courses, mainly in rural NSW, to meet this increased demand," Irrigation Australia Limited National Training & Certification Manager Geoff Harvey said.
The NSW Government will also fund two traineeships to assist Indigenous job-seekers looking for a career in the water industry. Through the two-year program, the trainees will gain a Certificate III in Water Operations and the paid industry experience needed to become a certified meter installer and secure ongoing employment in the industry.
"The NSW Government has listened to calls from First Nations communities, through the water resources planning consultation process, to play a greater role in the water industry. These trainees will receive a fantastic head start to their career," Ms Pavey said.
