Eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers drawn from all over South East Queensland are now well on their way to kick starting a career in the electrical or related trade industry.
BUSY At Work partnered with Energex and TAFE Queensland SkillsTech to deliver the 16 week Bright Sparks program which began in March this year.
The program provides job seekers with entry-level electrical skills and an opportunity to apply for ongoing employment with Energex in the apprenticeship intake later in the year.
BUSY At Work Project Development Coordinator, Vanessa Parry said the job seekers aged between 17- 24 had received plenty of support and coaching as part of the pre-apprenticeship program.
“Initially we conducted interviews, aptitude, career suitability and work-readiness assessments to ensure the job seekers had the right attitude, commitment and enthusiasm to take part in the program which was conducted at Acacia Ridge and Rocklea in Brisbane,” Ms Parry said.
As part of the program, the participants were provided a uniform, personal protective equipment, driving lessons and tailored individual mentoring support. The program provided a blend of theory-based and practical training, including the safe use of hand power tools, underground/overhead and substation awareness, chainsaw use and tree trimming.
The Project Coordinators also worked with the students to improve skills in career planning, resume and cover letter writing and interview techniques to prepare them for the application process with potential employers.
The Bright Sparks students worked towards successful completion of a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways (FSK20113) and a Certificate II in Electrotechnology (UEE22011). Throughout the program, which concluded at the end of June, the students also had the opportunity to undertake High Density Polyethylene Welding training and obtain a White Card, Dogging ticket and First Aid Certificate.
General Manager of TAFE Queensland SkillsTech, Mary Campbell, said TAFE Queensland SkillsTech was extremely proud to be involved in the delivery of the Indigenous Bright Sparks program that aims to provide genuine outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“The initiative is about providing students with every opportunity to build confidence not only in themselves but also their ability to succeed in the future. Our focus is to help the students to become job ready and increase their chances of finding an apprenticeship,” Ms Campbell said.
Energex Workforce Capability Project Coordinator, Rebecca Amos said the Indigenous Bright Sparks program was a fantastic opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain an understanding of the electrical industry and to acquire a nationally accredited qualification that may lead to an apprenticeship within Energex or provide a pathway to alternative career options within the industry.
“This program is about empowering people with the qualifications they need to boost their job opportunities. It can be a great springboard to not only becoming an electrician but to careers in instrumentation, electrotechnology, refrigeration and air conditioning, data communication and electronics,” Ms Amos said.
Energex Workforce Capability Manager Geoff Roberts said improving the diversity of the business was a key outcome for the Energex apprentice management team.
“It generates new ways of thinking and is a reflection of the society we live in today.”
“Our strengths are our differences and we look forward to what will hopefully be the start of long and rewarding careers for our Indigenous Bright Sparks in Energex.”
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said BUSY was proud to partner with Energex and TAFE Queensland SkillsTech in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into skilled employment.
“This partnership has been essential to the success of the program. The combination of hands-on training and wraparound support from each of the partners has provided the opportunity for the participants to develop great practical skills and increase their overall employability in the electrical or trade industries,” Mr Miles said.
The Indigenous Bright Sparks program is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 | leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
