An alliance of companies including Lend Lease, CPB Contractors, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff, Aurecon and Metro Trains Melbourne has been formally awarded the contract for the Caulfield to Dandenong level crossing removal project.

The Treasurer, Tim Pallas, said "the project will deliver more room, on more trains to carry more people on Melbourne's busiest rail line. It's needed now, and we're not going to waste a day - we're going to get it done".

Site preparation works - including installing fences - are set to begin at the end of the month.

The Level Crossing Removal Authority has also published its Consultation Outcomes and Submissions Report on its website which summarises the thousands of pieces of feedback it received up to and including in its latest round of consultation.

In another sign that the State Government is serious about creating a larger rail engineering talent pool, the Level Crossing Removal Authority recently announced that applications are now open for its Railway Signalling Engineer Cadet Program.

The program will offer recent engineering graduates and qualified engineers wanting to transition into the rail industry, the opportunity of a three-year paid position along with real hands-on experience, and a fully sponsored Graduate Diploma in Railway Signalling Engineering. In years two and three, cadets will also undertake a Graduate Diploma in Rail Signalling Engineering to ensure they leave the program with the skills, experience and competencies to fast track their career as a rail signalling engineer. The program is open to recent engineering graduates who completed their degree since 2015, and qualified engineers with at least five years of professional experience, wanting to transition into the rail industry. Cadets will be employed by one of the seven industry partners: the Level Crossing Removal Authority, CPB Contractors, John Holland Group, Melbourne Metro Rail Authority, Metro Trains Melbourne, Opus Rail and United Group Limited. Level Crossing Removal Authority

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