A GROUP of 12 determined local jobseekers have found a new avenue into the workplace thanks to a training program being reintroduced.
The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative allowed the group to complete a Certificate I in Construction as part of the State Government’s flagship skills and training initiative.
In completing the certification, the group rejuvenated the West End Bulldogs Rugby League Club, with it now boasting a fresh new look and significantly improved facilities.
It is now set to host more community events, including women’s NRL games starting next year.
Program participants Bill Alatasi and Elone Taufa said the program would allow them greater opportunities in their future careers.
“Coming out of school, I wanted to develop new skills that would later on transfer into me building a future for myself and my family,” Alatasi said.
“I’ve developed a lot of skills during this traineeship such as painting, plumbing, and a bit of tiling as well, but the one I’ve really enjoyed was plumbing.
“This is all about the community and if this funding was cut, we would lose a lot of things.”
Taufa said: “I wanted to start a new career and I haven’t done much construction in my life, so I just wanted to try something new.”
Minister for Training and Skills Development and State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said: “A huge congratulations to our latest local Skilling Queenslanders for Work graduates.
“I’ve seen the hard work they’ve done down at the West End football club from putting up a brand-new fence around the fields, constructing and painting seats, and putting up some tiling inside the clubhouse to give it a great refresh.
“It’s great to know that most of the graduates have already gone on to work, or found themselves a placement, so we know this absolutely brilliant program works.”
The graduates of the Work Skills Traineeships Tackling Construction Skills project delivered by Energy Skills Queensland are the latest cohort to join nearly 100,000 jobseekers.
