Commonwealth Games site gives students running start in jobs race

Queensland students are kick-starting their construction career and learning on the job as part of the team building the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Village.

Minister for the Commonwealth Games Stirling Hinchliffe said local students were gaining construction qualifications and real-world experience on the world-class Parklands Project site as part of the Queensland Government-funded Get Ready 4 Construction program and the Construction Skills Queensland-funded Trade Start program.

Mr Hinchliffe congratulated the first intake of graduating students today and said the program was providing job seekers with dynamic industry-based training and future employment opportunities in the construction industry.

“Over the past 12 weeks, six students from the Gold Coast School of Construction have completed their Certificate I in Construction, along with 160 hours of structured workplace learning, personal development and green skills training,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“This program is an investment in the workforce of the future and will ensure locals students have the skills they need to gain work in the construction industry.

“As part of the program students assisted in the fit-out of their own dedicated training facility within the $550 million Grocon Parklands Project site, constructed desks, an external covered area and outdoor timber chairs and underwent four weeks of work placement with local contractors.

“The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is providing tremendous opportunities for employment and upskilling of our local workforce which will be a great Games legacy.

“Future intakes of the Trade Start program will undertake placement with a Parklands Project sub-contractor giving them direct access to a large-scale Commonwealth Games project while they complete their training.”

Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath said this program was a great example of the training opportunities and life-long careers available in Queensland.

“These programs are providing Queenslanders with opportunities for the future while also building the workforce of the growing South East corridor,” Ms D’Ath said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to supporting training and skills development for all Queenslanders and looks forward to watching over the success of the Parklands Project training program.”

Nerang’s Tyson Dunn, 19, said he was eternally grateful for the opportunities presented to him during training with the Gold Coast School of Construction.

“This course has enabled me to not only stand on my own two feet but learn some great everyday skills and meet some great mates along the way,” Tyson said.

“I am excited for my future in construction, with the confidence that I’m now leading my own career path.”

A second intake of students started on the Parklands Project on March 14, with further programs starting on May 9, July 14, August 29 and October 24.

For more information on Parklands Project training opportunities and enrolment visit: http://gcsc.edu.au

To stay Ahead of the Games with our six monthly interactive progress report visit: http://aheadofthegames.embracing2018.com

Media contact: Jessica Hill 0475 950 772 (Hinchliffe) | 3719 7415 (D'Ath)