WOOD WORKS FOR BUNDABERG JOBS PROJECT GRADUATES

Seven jobseekers downed tools today and celebrated their achievements at the
end of a 16-week Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative funded jobs project.

Employment and Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel said the seven got paid work and a skills boost through turning salvaged timber into desirable but affordable furniture pieces.

“The $96 240 project, run by the Salvation Army, gave participants real world experience to equip them for work in the skills starved construction industry,”
Mr Mickel said.

“Participants studied units from the Certificate III in Cabinet Making and put this theory into practice by transforming waste timber from the Bundaberg City Council into furniture for resale.

“These salvaged timber products are now being sold at Salvation Army retail outlets. The project has brought great benefits for the community, the environment and employment prospects for the participants.”

Community Services Manager Tom Osborne said the participants’
new found skills would definitely give them a head start in achieving their employment ambitions.

“Participants gained valuable trade skills, including timber dressing, carpentry
and joinery,” Mr Osborne said.

“Even though the project has only just finished, two participants have already
found work and I am confident there will be more positive outcomes over the
coming weeks.”

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative together with its predecessor the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative have helped create more than
116 000 jobs for Queenslanders since 1998.

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative is part of the State Government’s
$1 billion Queensland Skills Plan which aims to provide individuals and industry
with the skills and workforce for the 21st Century.

Salvation Army Community Services Manager - Tom Osborne on 4153 3557or tom_osborne@aue.salvationarmy.org.

Media Contacts: Chris Brown on 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion on 3224 6784