A new traineeship program aims to provide 15 young Ipswich locals with an opportunity to start careers in the construction industry while contributing to state housing projects.
The Housing Construction Traineeship Fund, part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, will offer full-time paid traineeships. Participants will work towards obtaining a Certificate I in Construction and a White Card, essential qualifications for entering the construction workforce.
Min for Employment and Small Business, Lance McCallum, stated, “These traineeships are more than just a job on our Big Build, they’re a lifeline for Queenslanders who need it most.”
He added, “Everyone deserves a fair go, and these sponsored traineeships open the door for vulnerable Ipswich locals to get their first start on the tools and take charge of their futures.”
The trainees will be employed by Challenge Employment & Training, a local community organisation, in partnership with QBuild. Their work will involve maintaining community facilities and social housing buildings in Ipswich and surrounding areas.
Richard Lindner, CEO of Challenge Employment & Training, said, “This initiative not only equips our trainees with valuable new skills and opportunities, but also strengthens the local workforce by addressing critical construction needs.”
The program aligns with the Miles Government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan, which aims to deliver one million more homes, including 53,500 social homes. Currently, over $1 billion in social housing projects are either under construction or contracted as part of this initiative.
The traineeship program is expected to play a role in bolstering the residential construction workforce, supporting the targets set under the Homes for Queenslanders Plan.
As Ipswich continues to grow, this initiative may help develop a skilled local workforce capable of meeting the region’s construction demands.
Published 20-September-2024