Trade Ready Program gets set to launch in Rockhampton
Posted on April 29th, 2020
Starting on Monday 11th May in Rockhampton, the Trade Ready Program provides additional skills and experiences to individuals who are new entrants to the civil construction industry, whether they are displaced from their current employment or looking for a new career.
With many workers losing their jobs due to the current pandemic, Queensland’s Civil Contractors Federation is launching a stepping stone program that will aim to further job readiness and work preparation, provide life skills to participants, further develop their skills through inclusion of selected construction short courses to improve employability, and provide access to valuable industry-led work experience.
The program will offer participants a 4-week training program to gain the essential knowledge and skills to enter the civil construction industry. On successful completion of training, those taking part will also be offered the opportunity to complete a 3-week unpaid work placement with a civil construction employer to gain on-the-job experience.
With a simple online eligibility screening process, Capricorn Enterprise Regional Economic Development Manager, Neil Lethlean is encouraging anyone in the region with interest in a construction career, particularly anyone who has been displaced from their current role to apply.
“With $3.6 billion dollars of major projects in the local pipeline, now is the perfect time for residents in the greater Rockhampton area to consider the skills you have always wanted to obtain, but weren’t sure of where to start,” said Neil.
“Fully funded with the support of CSQ, the short course provides individuals with an opportunity to be presented to employers as a job ready candidate for vacancies on upcoming projects, giving anyone taking part a ‘leg-up’ in getting work.”
Learning segments of the program include work safety and risk control, the use of hand and power tools, installing trench support, operating elevating work platforms and more.
“Seeking employees who have taken the first step to becoming ‘trade ready’ is crucial to carrying out timelines and making sure the right people are in the right roles as the industry steam-rolls ahead into the future,” said Neil.
“With our region entering the most exciting phase of significant investment that has ever been experienced to date, it is vital that we strive to meet the local demand for workers and tradespeople, ensuring successful outcomes for each major project.”
Several major regional infrastructure projects are already underway in Capricorn including the Rockhampton Northern Access upgrade, Shoalwater Bay Training Area remediation, and Rockhampton to Gracemere highway duplication. Emerging projects include the construction of Rookwood Weir plus the Clarke Creek Wind Farm.
To check if you are eligible for the program and to apply, visit https://civiltrainqld.com/trade-ready/.
First concrete pour on the Capricorn Highway Gogango Intersection Upgrade (Sunwater) 
First concrete pour on the Capricorn Highway (Rockhampton – Emerald), Construction of Six Overtaking Lanes (DTMR)
Photo credit: CMC Group
