Twelve Gladstone job seekers recently graduated from a 20-week paid traineeship course, undertaking a Certificate I in Construction, thanks to the Queensland Government funded Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, delivered by BUSY At Work.
The Skilling Queenslanders for Work program offers job seekers the opportunity to learn on-the-job skills in a range of industries (including construction, hospitality, administration and more) while benefiting community. The Gladstone Construction traineeship saw the twelve participants refurbishing the gardens and building site for the community’s Gladstone Thistle Pipe Band Hall. During the program, participants gained valuable construction skills such as painting, carpentry, tree-pruning, trimming hedges and using tools.
John VanNimwegen, Skilling Queenslanders for Work Mentor at BUSY At Work, said of his role, “The reason I became a mentor was to try and change young people’s lives, those who are disadvantaged and disengaged. I do enjoy my role as I can see the difference in the participants by the end of the program, and I love seeing a good outcome.”
Now that the twelve participants have completed the 20-week program, John and the team at BUSY At Work, have been marketing the participants to employers, with the aim of finding them entry-level jobs or positions where they can potentially continue their traineeship in construction. Many of the participants are now inspired with a long-term goal of moving into a full apprenticeship in construction or other trade.
Of the graduates, John said, “One female participant, Ella, wants to become a motor mechanic, so I have been marketing her to local auto mechanics, just waiting on a call back from a promising employer on that one. Another young participant, Cody, when he first started his anxiety levels were through the roof and he is a completely different person now. He had full attendance, not one day off during the whole 20-week period. He graduated on the Friday and started his new job the following Monday with a professional painter. It’s a two-week trial at first and if he goes well (which I know he will) it will lead into an apprenticeship for him.”
John believes that those who are best suited to the Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs are those who want to improve themselves and really want to work, “They want to get a foot in the door and are tired of getting knock-backs. This program helps connect them to employers and show them how worthy and keen they are.”
With a mix of mostly younger job seekers, both male and female, who are trying to get their first start into employment, along with older job seekers who are getting back into the workforce after an extended period, the participants also gain soft skills that are highly valued in the workplace. These include group dynamics, problem-solving, confidence, communication skills, punctuality and attendance.
John stated, “One participant, Aiden, an older member of the group, was a stand-out and helped mentor the younger participants. I would consider employing him as an offsider on the next project, he would be a valuable employee to any business.
“As a mentor, the first thing I do is get to know them and gain their trust. From there I can help to build their confidence and get them to believe in themselves again. Along the way I will be constantly boosting their motivation, using a lot of positive reinforcement. It’s great to see participants come out of their shell, be confident and motivated to really want a job and get their lives on track.”
The graduation ceremony for the participants had an impressive guest attendance with representatives from the Registered Training Organisation who delivered the nationally-recognised training, local companies and prospective employers, and Gladstone local councillor, Greg Churchill.
The hall was given a nice surprise too when John discovered their forgotten flagpole and had the group resurrect this. It is now proudly flying the flag again.
“The last two days we were there we rebuilt their flagpole for them so that is now back up after being stashed under the building, covered with dirt.”
Kelli Isaacs, Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program Manager at BUSY At Work, said, “I had the privilege of attending the Gladstone project graduation and it was an incredibly emotional experience. This group included many younger participants, several from disadvantaged backgrounds, and seeing their growth firsthand was truly powerful.
“One young participant stood out to me—a 16‑year‑old with very limited support, no contact with his parents or family, and currently staying in temporary accommodation with friends. The impact this project has had on him has been absolutely life‑changing. When John and I spoke to the group before the ceremony and invited them to meet with me for job placement support, he was the very first to come forward. He had already emailed his updated resume before he even took a seat. His determination was inspiring.”
Are you a Queensland job seeker?
If you or someone you know is unemployed and looking for work, the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program can assist (eligibility criteria applies). Learn more about upcoming programs through BUSY At Work.
Is your business looking for staff?
If your business is looking for an enthusiastic employee and would like to give one of our graduates an opportunity, please contact sqwprojects@busyatwork.com.au or call 13 28 79.
(L-R) John VanNimwegen (Mentor at BUSY At Work), Aiden Melsner (Trainee), Corey Walker (Trainee) and Sarah Beeton (Trainee).