Originally from Melbourne, Chris has been living in Wynnum (QLD) for the past five years and within that time, has completed his Vet Nursing certificate and many hours volunteering in the industry. With the events of COVID-19 making it difficult for him to further his career, Chris decided to press pause and instead try something different.
Having been unemployed for over a year since then, Chris’ work provider told him about an opportunity to complete a Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management at Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club under a 20-week paid traineeship funded through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program. After researching further, Chris decided it was too good an opportunity, so he signed up for the program.
“I would still like to pursue a career in Vet Nursing but for now I am really excited to see where this traineeship will take me and although I am only five weeks into it, it has absolutely changed my life.
“In our first week here, we were all a bit rocky and unsure about what we were doing but now we are all really proud of the progress we have made and the skills we have already gained so early on in the traineeship,” Chris said.
Trainer of the program, Jarrod Bird, said the highlight for him as their supervisor has been seeing fifteen complete individuals come in and, in such a short time, really get into it and work as a team.
“They are all really positive and have a lot of respect for each other which is why they work so well together.
“In addition to getting them job ready, we are really just trying to make them proud of themselves and show them what a great job they have done,” Jarrod said of the participants.
It is definitely paying off as Chris mentioned that seeing how much he has accomplished is so satisfying, especially since he has no experience in this industry, and it only makes him want to work harder and accomplish even more.
“Working again has really gotten me back into that positive mindset and routine, which is what I wanted to gain from this traineeship, and it has now made me want to push myself into doing farm work since it involves working with both land and animals.
“For anyone thinking about doing a traineeship, definitely give it a go because although it might not seem like something you would be interested in, you will be quite surprised how much of an impact it can have on you and your career. Who knows, you might love it,” Chris further said of the program.
Paul Miles, Managing Director at BUSY At Work said, “Our Skilling Queenslanders for Work program provides participants with the skills and confidence they need to land a job. It’s great to see that this course is not only preparing them for the workforce and inspiring their career choices, but also assisting them to regain confidence and a sense of pride in what they can achieve.”
For more information, visit www.busyatwork.com.au
MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle Ryan, BUSY At Work
0407 169 029 or email michelle.ryan@busyatwork.com.au
