Community News
Pushing Up to Support Mental Health Awareness
That’s alright though because while we’re getting fit and building arms of steel, across The BUSY Group we’re raising funds and awareness for the annual Push Up Challenge, an excellent charity that supports mental health awareness and raises much needed funds for organisations that include Lifeline, Movember, and their own Push for Better Foundation. The Push Up Challenge not only
Read MoreKate’s ‘Campaign for Change’ Helps Job Seekers through BUSY At Work
The Campaign is supported by hundreds of ‘Campaigners’ who collect and donate items (cash, unused hotel toiletries, gift cards) at host donation drop off points, and volunteer their time to assist with packaging activities. Recognising the need for hygiene care packs to give to those job seekers going through difficult times, the jobactive team at BUSY At Work Aitkenvale reached
Read MoreNew Salisbury BUSY Schools campus gets BUSY building bridges
“This new special assistance school is building bridges of a different kind today, creating engaging pathways between school and employment to forge brighter futures for young students,” Ms Grace said. “The Queensland Government will provide around $500,000 of recurrent funding this year towards supporting The BUSY Schools to operate across Queensland, with sites already open for business at Shailer Park
Read MoreA Big Heart in the Middle of the Glitter Strip!
Since COVID hit in 2020, the centre saw an initial increase in persons who had relied on the hospitality industry for an income (particularly international students) and sadly, a huge spike in requests from families in domestic violence situations. The centre also had to change it’s way of service delivery to staggered appointments and take away meals. Dianne Kozik, General
Read MoreBaxter went from playing video games at home every day to working as an assistant manager!
In 2020, Baxter found out about BUSY At Work’s Transition to Work program which supports young people aged 15-24 with intensive support to find work. When you are young and just left school, it is extremely difficult to get your first ‘foot in the door’ and this is where the program helps. The Transition to Work program is an Australian
Read MoreRaymond now working to support medical research and pharmaceutical manufacturing!
Raymond initially had contactless appointments with his Transition to Work consultant, he was always punctual and was very keen to find employment in his local area. An unusual opportunity came through Selborne Biological Services (Aust) Pty Ltd who were looking for local people to join their company, contracting at Swickers, Kingaroy’s well-known pork processing plant and the largest in the
Read MoreTyler Turns his Life Around Thanks to Transition to Work
An opportunity came up for Tyler to do a Scaffolding course through the Transition to Work program, and Tyler jumped at the chance. The Transition to Work program is an Australian Government initiative that assists young people aged 15-24 who have disengaged with education or employment. Tyler gained assistance through the program with funding to complete the scaffolding course, increasing
Read MoreThanks to Transition to Work, Layla has found a new career path!
The impact of losing her job and the events of 2020 left Layla feeling low and unmotivated. She was soon referred to the Transition to Work program, delivered in her region by BUSY At Work. The Transition to Work program is an Australian Government initiative and aims to assist young people aged 15-24 who are finding it difficult to find
Read MorePeople with disability thriving in the workplace
Here are just a few examples of some extraordinary people in Australia with disability who are thriving in the work place! Dr Dinesh Palipana – Gold Coast Emergency Doctor In 2010, on a car trip from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Dinesh Palipana’s car spun out of control in the wet and the resulting accident left him with a spinal
Read MoreA passion for gadgets led Jasper to apprenticeship success
Jasper Greinke always had a passion for finding out how things work and picking apart electronic devices. That’s why choosing to complete his final two years of high school at the Australian Industry Trade College was the best decision he ever made, Jasper said. Three years ago, Jasper was the very first apprentice to sign up under BUSY At Work’s
Read MoreFrom feeling low, Shai is aiming high
Shai Darby, 19, has always felt a strong desire to care for and nurture others. “When I was younger, my best friend’s dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I was in and out of the hospital with him and I just saw the way that the nurses helped him and comforted him through that whole process, and I was
Read MorePiper finds her way through childcare
Piper Tindall grew up always giving and taking care of those around her, so it’s only fitting that she has now commenced a full-time role as a childcare worker! The 18-year-old from Buderim, Queensland always had lots of family in her life from a young age. “Growing up, we had a lot of foster kids around, there was always a
Read MoreJoshua finds his way through teaching
Joshua Casley has tried a little bit of everything, before settling into his casual position as a teacher’s aide. The Sippy Downs resident is a participant in BUSY At Work’s Transition to Work program, which helps disadvantaged youth aged 15-21 with career and education opportunities. “Originally when I came to BUSY At Work, I was lacking direction. Fresh out of
Read MoreA traineeship can be life changing
Like many young people who have left school, Ethan Johnson was at a crossroads and didn’t know what to do next with his life. After dropping out of school in year 9, Ethan got a full-time job. “I hated school. I was always in trouble and doing stupid stuff. So I started working at Maccas for 38 hours a week,
Read MoreTell us about your ‘bestie’ at work – and you could win!
Share a picture or video on Instagram and you could win a pair of work shoes for you and your bestie! Tell us about your funniest moments together and how they make your day that much better. We will share the best entries on our Instagram, and the post with the most likes will win a pair of work shoes*
Read More10 Celebrity Apprentices Whose Summer Is Definitely Lit
There’s no doubt that completing an apprenticeship can lead to a successful career. Take a look at these famous Aussies, who have completed a VET qualification and have gone on to do big things. 1. Matt Moran – Celebrity Chef Celebrity chef Matt Moran is now a household name and started his career by studying Commercial Cookery at TAFE. Although
Read MoreAustralia’s unemployment rate at 5 per cent
Australia’s unemployment rate has hit a six and half year low at 5 per cent according to the October figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The seasonally adjusted number of jobs increased by around 32,800 and participation rate increased to 65.6 per cent. According to the ABC News report, Indeed’s Asia-Pacific economist Callam Pickering described the
Read MoreWhat does the 2018 budget mean for your hiring plans?
The Treasurer handed down Budget 2018-19 at 7:30pm on Tuesday 8 May 2018. BUSY At Work examines the impacts to your business...
Read MoreYoui’s tailored accredited traineeship program results in first graduates
SUNSHINE Coast-based insurance business, Youi, has graduated its first class of employees with an industry accreditation in customer engagement. Star Awards for outstanding achievement were presented to three of the class - Bianca Felsinger, Jamie Brown and Helen Kopcikas-Moore at a graduation ceremony this week.
Read MorePaTH Internship Brings Work Success for Mia
Now five weeks into her new role, Mia is relishing the opportunity to learn new skills and build her confidence. Mia has now been employed on a permanent part time basis working twenty hours per week with the prospect of increased hours in the near future.
Read MoreNew Initiative to Highlight the Value of Apprenticeships and VET
A new initiative launched today by the Federal Government showcases and promotes a diverse range of rewarding careers available via vocational education and training (VET).
Read MoreGala Event marks a BUSY 40 Years of Employment Services
“It’s a great success story – for our clients and for improving Australian society through helping people into meaningful and productive work,” Mr Miles said. The BUSY Group – originally “BUSY Inc” – was founded in 1977, with a remit from then President Martin Punch to help homeless youth on the Gold Coast.
Read MoreNew Website for ON-Q Gives Fresh Approach to Disability Employment Services
ON-Q are delighted to launch their new website and brand providing easy accessibility to the diverse range of information and disability services they offer. Their new website will help ON-Q continue to create strong partnerships with community, industry and government to promote disability employment.
Read MoreBUSY At Work builds strong partnership with JWB Construction Pty Ltd
“We are a rail maintenance and construction company and we are proud that we have recently been recognised by the Logan City Council as a large employer in this region.” Danny said many of the new apprentices recruited through BUSY At Work had undertaken or were currently undertaking a Certificate III Civil Construction - Plant Operations, or a Certificate III Civil Construction – Road Construction and Maintenance.
Read MoreStatim-Yaga Program Helps Dale Achieve His Career Ambition
Statim-Yaga program which focuses on supporting Indigenous employees in the construction industry. In Dale's case the program has delivered mentoring support and career planning to him and his new employer Dig-It.
Read MoreNational Skills Week, August 28 – September 3, 2017
This week celebrates National Skills Week, which is the focal point for the promotion of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training sector (VET). National Skills Week continues to attract overwhelming support following a survey of stakeholders who confirmed the importance of having a dedicated week to highlight VET, Industry trends and the link between training and jobs. Every year since its
Read MoreCooking Tradition Continues in Tamborine Restaurant
When Head Chef, Braedan Allen of trendy Tamborine Mountain restaurant, Drift Cafe was looking to sign up a new apprentice he knew exactly who to approach and where to get the assistance he required. Braedan was signed up by Darrin in 2005 and Braedon had no hesitation in giving Darrin a call when we needed a new apprentice to help grow.
Read MoreLucan Set for a Big Future in the Building Industry
Two years ago the Gold Coast local started up his own business as Director of Build FX Constructions and with business going well, Lucan has recently signed up his first apprentice through BUSY At Work.
Read MoreBUSY helps Quentin reconnect with his passion for food
It’s been a whirlwind three months for Sous Chef Quentin Roper since he first connected with BUSY At Work Job Placement Officer Noosaville, Kimberley Goodwin. During that time Quentin’s passion for work has grown in leaps and bounds to the point where he now has a secure full time job and is confident in his future. Kimberley said Quentin had shown great determination and resilience after being many years out of work.
Read MoreAndersyn excels in administration traineeship following Work for the Dole Program
When Andersyn Landt started doing general cleaning and gardening at the Mackay and District Australian South Sea Islander Association (MADASSIA) centre as a participant in a Working for the Dole (WfD) activity, she never imagined it might lead to a possible future career in the administration field. As well as developing her Microsoft Office skills and assisting with office clerical duties Andersyn is also studying for her Certificate III in Business Administration which she hopes to complete by the end of the year.
Read MoreHard work and dedication pays off for Dianne
Mature age employee Dianne Smith has never been one to shy away from hard work. The Cairns local had been previously unemployed for two years in Melbourne but has now found her feet in the tropical north after securing full time work in a field she has always enjoyed. With the help of CoAct BUSY At Work Employment Consultant, Jessica Campbell and Placement Officer, jobactive, Jason Meyer, Dianne is now working 40 hours a week as a cleaner with respected local business, Abelia Cleaning.
Read MoreBUSY helps Juan reconnect with the labour market and a career in hospitality
It’s been a whirlwind six months for Hotel Houseman Juan Concha since he first connected with BUSY At Work Project Coordinator/Mentor, Valerie Osburn. During that time Juan’s confidence has grown in leaps and bounds to the point where he now has a part time job and is well on the way to completing his Certificate III in Hospitality. Such is his remarkable progress Juan has now been nominated for the Queensland Training Awards 2017 Equity VET (Vocational Education and Training) Student of the Year Award. The award r
Read MoreExciting new E Waste project reaps benefits for the Mackay and Sarina communities
Recycling E-Hub Mackay and Sarina get locals to donate their used electronic equipment rather than dumping as landfill. Around 30 Work for the Dole participants have been involved in dismantling computers, photocopiers and printers over the past 5 months and rebuilding them into fully functioning 3D printers.
Read MoreJacko looks to a brighter future after completing the Hit the Road Program
After undertaking the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program Jacko has been able to land himself a regular casual job as a delivery driver in Brisbane.
Read MoreShayli finds her feet at indoor child play centre
Shayli Green is a motivated and dedicated young person who is achieving success in her new role as a part time hospitality trainee at Yard Apes Coomera Indoor Play Centre. Despite having to overcome some obstacles in her life, that hasn’t stopped Shayli pursuing her lifelong goals to work with children.
Read More#GC101 on track to put 101 young Gold Coasters into apprenticeships
The ambitious #GC101 campaign to get 101 young people into an apprenticeship on the Gold Coast in less than two months is on the verge of reaching its goal.
Read MoreGold Coast Employers asked to employ 101 School Leavers and Youth in Six Weeks
In one of the most ambitious youth employment campaigns ever undertaken on the Gold Coast, BUSY At Work has set itself a target of placing 101 Gold Coast Year 12 school leavers and youth into apprenticeships and traineeships in six weeks. The GC101 Apprenticeship campaign was launched today by Federal Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills and Federal Member for McPherson, the Hon Karen Andrews MP.
Read MoreQueensland tourism boosted by a billion
Recent data released by Tourism Research Australia shows that the hospitality industry, as well as the tourism one, received an incremental boost of nearly $1 billion. It revealed that an additional $950 million extra had been spent by domestic travellers in the Sunshine State.
Read MoreIncreasing opportunities for indigenous apprentices
Hutchinson Builders has set itself a task of increasing its indigenous construction workforce by four per cent over the next three years. This will also include supporting local indigenous businesses in regional areas as well as remote ones.
Read MoreIncreased developments, increased apprenticeship opportunities
The Brisbane Development website has the slogan: 'Go Tall Not Sprawl' and it's pretty apt for the developments planned for the city. With so many developments planned and underway, there isn't a better time to be a builder's apprentice, for instance, in the region. Brisbanites who are looking for apprenticeship opportunities in the industry will be encouraged by the plans that have been put in place for the state's most populous city.
Read MoreHow does the resources sector support other industries?
We often talk about different industries and sectors as though they all exists in their own worlds, forgetting the different ways they all influence each other. For example, those working mining apprenticeships in Queensland are also building career opportunities for people in other industries as well.
Read MoreCairns set to be the centre for tourism expansion
People love to visit Queensland. Whether they're travelling here by plane from overseas or by car through neighbouring states and territories, they all have one thing in common: they're helping to build the economy and keep people employed across a range of different industries.
Read MoreTownsville Supercars event offers exciting motivation for automotive apprentices
Success in motorsport is about much more than the person behind the wheel. In fact, it takes a whole team of engineers and mechanics to get these cars from flag to finish. For people who have their eye on automotive apprenticeship opportunities, the chance to someday work on some of the fastest cars built in the country is an important motivator.
Read MoreNDIS rollout changes Queensland healthcare sector
Across the country, preparations for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) have been having a significant effect on the way healthcare services are provisioned. The aim of the initiative is to ensure that people around Australia who need further assistance can get it. Described by the current Queensland government as the biggest social reform for over 40 years, it's expected to benefit people statewide.
Read MoreQueensland Budget focusses on Indigenous employment opportunities
For Queensland to remain economically successful, it needs to provide jobs for all people around in the state. In some cases, this demand for equal opportunities results in unique initiatives designed to assist specific groups of Australians.
Read MoreAged care facility gets green light in Queensland
Ongoing construction and infrastructure development is common theme across much of Australia. In Queensland in particular, a number of major construction projects are continuing to provide apprenticeship opportunities in their thousands as demand continues to grow.
Read MoreHow will Queensland’s growing economy preserve the environment?
Sustainability is becoming more and more important for businesses in a range of different industries. Whether it's a taxi company moving to hybrid vehicles or a retail store installing solar panels into their roof, there's no shortage of ways for organisations to lessen their impact on the environment.
Read MoreAquaculture expansion to boost working opportunities in Queensland
Queensland's large and fruitful coastline means the state is home to a diverse range of industries, all of which provide their own unique set of apprentice opportunities to people.
Read MoreMining royalties redirected at regional infrastructure
Queensland's active mining sector contributes more than $1.5 million in royalties to the state's government, according to the Queensland Resources Council, ensuring that important services continue to receive funding.
Read MoreAdvance Queensland Summit furthers ties between Australia and Asia
The growing trade relationships between Australian and its Asian counterparts are beginning to show their value to Queensland, and these will be further strengthened in the Advance Queensland Summit set to take place in late April.
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