The Resource and Infrastructure sector in Queensland currently needs a significant skills shortage, impacting the industry’s ability to meet the market demands.
In response to this, a new program called “Step into Resources and Infrastructure” has been launched to help address this issue by skilling local people in Central and North Queensland.
The program is being delivered by MRAEL and Capricornia Training Company (CTC), which is a part of the IntoWork Group.
The “Step into Resources and Infrastructure” program will take place in Mackay and Rockhampton and will focus on developing the employability skills and confidence of local people to help them enter the workforce.
The program will use a combination of industry-specific training, work readiness and employment support to prepare participants for the workforce. The training will provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the resource and infrastructure sector. Work readiness and employment support will help them find and secure employment in the industry.
This program is an important initiative that aims to address the skills shortage in the resource and infrastructure sector by training and to prepare local people for the workforce. It will help to ensure that there is a steady supply of skilled workers available to meet the industry’s demands and help boost the local economy.
The National Skills Commission’s 2022 Skills Priority List highlights the most in-demand occupations in the resource and infrastructure sector in Queensland. According to the list, metal fitters, machinists, drillers, miners, truck drivers, electricians and shot firers were the most in-demand occupations, accounting for 30% of national job ads listed in Queensland.
MRAEL and CTC CEO Christine Zechowski stated that the program is a response to the skills shortage in the resource and infrastructure sector, making it difficult for the industry to meet the market’s demands.
By training and preparing local people for the workforce, the program aims to address this issue and ensure that there is a steady supply of skilled workers available to meet the demands of the industry. This will not only benefit the industry but also help to boost the local economy and create more job opportunities for the local population.
“Participants of the program undertake a Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation, delivered by an approved Registered Training Organisation, and are supported by program mentors with employability and work readiness training – aimed at preparing them to join or re-join the work force successfully,” Ms Zechowski said.
Ms Zechowski said the program helps participants feel more confident in job hunting, networking with employers and on-the-job work experience with support from MRAEL’s assistance.
“This project is holistic and provides participants with industry-specific skills, experience and qualifications through accredited training as well as employability skills, job search techniques and life skills”
The program will be available to people aged 25 and over in Mackay and people of any age bracket in Rockhampton.
The program is being funded through the State Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. This initiative aims to assist up to 15,000 disadvantaged Queenslanders each year to gain skills, qualifications, and experience to enter and stay in the workforce.
The funding for the program will be used to cover the costs of the training, work readiness, and employment support provided to participants.
The next program will run in Rockhampton from January 30 to April 14 and in Mackay from February 6 to April 21. The program is expected to be in high demand, so interested participants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
The program is expected to provide valuable training and support to those who participate and help them to gain the skills and qualifications needed to enter and stay in the workforce in the resource and infrastructure sector.
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