Bec happy to keep on truckin’

Local Kingsthorpe resident and heavy rig driver Bec Ingram is set to feature in a statewide television series airing on WIN television in the coming weeks.

In late 2007, Bec, 23, was struggling to find work in the transport industry in her homeland of Tasmania. A lack of experience and practical knowledge was holding her back.

Bec’s solution was an interstate migration to Queensland and enrolment in one of the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects run by Ozcare which provided her with training and an industry induction.

This was a successful move for Bec who has since gained employment driving a semi-trailer and is loving the freedom and stability of her new life.

Her story will be showcased in an upcoming series focusing on the success of this and other Queensland Government funded employment projects.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said Bec’s story, and many others from around Queensland, will be airing on television screens across the state from this week.

The 12-part series will run before the WIN news on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

“This series shines the spotlight on the State Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work employment projects and the difference they can make to the lives of Queensland jobseekers,” Mr Mickel said.

“Bec’s story, like all of those featured in the upcoming series, is one of hope. It is a story of someone who has seized the opportunity to fulfil her potential and better her life.

“The more subtle message that these stories conveys is the contribution those involved make to their communities during this difficult economic period.

“The individual stories from these projects viewed as a whole paint a picture of a stronger state workforce and economy.

“Through Skilling Queenslanders for Work, projects like this are giving people skills in key areas like transport to keep our economy moving.

“Despite the economic downturn Queensland will continue to rely on transport and distribution. Skill shortages in these industries should continue to offer solid employment opportunities.

“Organisations such as Ozcare that receive funding from the Queensland Government, offer participants a range of customised assistance measures including life skills training, accredited and non-accredited vocational training and paid work placements.

“The State Government has dedicated $3.8M to run Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects in South-West Queensland in 2009.

“I hope the television series inspires other jobseekers who want to find work but do not know where to start,” Mr Mickel said.

Bec said the call of the open road and the ability to be her own boss saw her move to Queensland to have a better chance of finding an opportunity.

‘I had my licence and I tried to find work in Tasmania – there were a few leads but nothing that came through,” Bec said.

“The project taught me a lot about the industry and gave me hands-on truck driving lessons.

“Within a few weeks of finishing the project I found work and I have not stopped since. Now I’m driving a semi delivering feed to farms from Stanthorpe to Nanango.”

Ozcare Project Coordinator Les Long said that Bec was not alone in her success.

“Last year 88 people from throughout the South-West completed the project – and 52 of them moved into work after it ended,” Mr Long said.

“The project means participants can upgrade their licenses which brings a big boost to their employment options.

“It also gives them general industry knowledge about driving and transport regulations, securing cargo, completing log books, fatigue management and workplace health and safety issues.

“The project has also been a great vehicle to help farmers get off the land and into stable paid work.”

During 2008-09 the Queensland Government will invest $80 million in the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to give an estimated 15,000 long-term unemployed and underemployed people job-related assistance and skills training to maximise labour force participation and increase Queensland's prosperity.

Twelve months after receiving employment and training assistance 71 per cent of participants are in employment.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work supports the State Government’s goal of a fairer, stronger Queensland where disadvantaged people can access assistance to overcome employment barriers.

For more information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925.

Media contact: 3237 1944

10 February 2009