The steps from project to employment have never been clearer than in Community Owned Enterprises' Pathways to Trade Skills Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) project in Doomadgee this year.
The graduation ceremony and community BBQ held at the Ngooderi Hub earlier this month was not only a chance to celebrate the four participants who gained their Certificate one in Construction, but also the amazing outcome that five of the participants have already secured ongoing roles.
During the project, in which trainees worked on various projects for host employer Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council across the region, Lachlan Dick, Clay Watt, Trevor Moreland and Boyd Caulton all significantly impressed their supervisors. All four have transitioned straight from the end of the project to full-time employment with the Council. Boyd is also undertaking additional training to gain his Certificate three in Water Treatment Operations, ready for the upcoming completion of Doomadgee's new water storage and treatment facilities.
Mr Moreland's achievement represents a huge personal milestone as he has never been employed before. He described how proud he was at the graduation in front of families, Council supervisors, and support staff.
"I'm so proud of what we have accomplished and I'm excited about what being in my new job will do for my future," he said.
Mr Watt, also starting in his very first full-time role is similarly fired-up to continue building his future and achieving his personal goals.
Athol Walden had a very valid reason not to complete the full project, having used the first few months of experience gained to secure full-time employment with Durack Civil back in May.
The remaining five trainees in the project all successfully gained White Cards and varying levels of work experience across a range of sites and roles, adding to their resumes and readiness for future opportunities.
Community Owned Enterprises (COE) noted that for a project that begun while Doomadgee battled through some of the longest-lasting flooding in years, to support so many of the trainees into rewarding, ongoing roles is "a truly fantastic outcome".
"It reflects the hard work, determination, and commitment demonstrated by the trainees right through the six-month project," the organisation said.
"We are extremely proud of their achievements and their new skills which are already allowing them to live and work within their community, contributing to local employment and economic development."
COE expressed thanks to Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council for their ongoing support of local SQW projects, and "for taking this cohort into their fold and helping to develop such a strong group".
COE also thanked Civil Safety for their expert training delivery and Ngooderi for their spaces and wrap-around supports throughout the project.
This Skilling Queenslanders for Work project was funded and supported by the Queensland Government.
