Funded by the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work, a 20-week paid construction traineeship program at Mt Tamborine has provided job seekers with real-world experience for the construction industry. Learning skills such as painting, brush cutting, fencing and power tool operations, participants also undertook a Certificate I in Construction to kick-start their traineeship.
With the construction industry currently experiencing skills shortages, graduates are now in a good place to continue with their traineeship or start an apprenticeship in a construction trade. With some graduates already finding work, others are currently being marketed to local employers as potential new hire apprentices for construction trade industries.
Daniel Csatsos, Mentor for the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program delivered by BUSY At Work, said, “As the mentor, I help these guys learn construction, along with a range of other things, such as developing a routine, appropriate behaviours at work and communication. Basically, getting everyone job-ready.”
Jai, one of the participants, said, “I heard about the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program through one of my mates who told me about it. I thought it was quite interesting, so I jumped on it straight away.”
“We’ve been doing work for a bunch of different community organisations. Painting the Scout Hall, brush cutting, fixing the fence and painting the changing rooms.” Jai continued.
“The program is for people of all ages, as long as they’re over 15 years old. It’s prepared me for getting up early, having a schedule and arriving at work on time. It’s helped me get into a routine, getting up early and going to work. I like being outdoors, you know, better than being in an office.”
When asked what his plans are after graduation, Jai responded, “I’m definitely going to look into apprenticeships after I graduate. I could see myself getting a trade, building houses and doing construction. I’m very excited to graduate from the program. It’ll be good to have a Cert I in Construction on my resume. I believe this program has changed my outlook on work.”
With a range of age groups, life circumstances and skills levels, the participants also learnt valuable team work and cooperating with others to achieve results.
Daniel further stated, “The participants come from varying backgrounds and a lot of them have disadvantaged lifestyles. We’re just trying to help them through it and land them the job they really want.”
Learn more about upcoming Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs.
Watch to learn more about the Mt Tamborine Construction program: