Eleven jobseekers who completed a pre-apprenticeship through a Skilling South Australia project have landed full-time plumbing apprenticeships working on the construction of South Australia's new schools.
The Skilling South Australia project was a partnership between local business Jordan Plumbing, Trainee and Apprentice Placement Service (TAPS), Carey Training and the State Government.
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said this project is an example of the job outcomes as a result of the strong collaboration across the training system with local employers and government to help meet demand for skilled workers.
"The skill development, work experience and mentoring the participants received in their pre-apprenticeship gave them the boost they needed to start apprenticeships with host employer Jordan Plumbing, and they are now working on the new school build sites at Aldinga and Angle Vale," Minister Pisoni said.
"By equipping participants with practical hand, tool and vehicle skills, as well as knowledge of safe working procedures and first aid, this pre-apprenticeship program transformed them from eager jobseekers into job-ready candidates.
"Introducing participants to the plumbing industry through real work placements is a sensible way to ensure they know what the job entails before committing to years of study.
"By the time program graduates start their first day on the job, they are already capable, safe and productive workers, which is a big win for employers."
Education Minister John Gardner said the Government's education capital works program is delivering construction job opportunities for South Australians.
"We know that South Australia is facing many challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and these school builds are already providing a much needed constructions jobs boost to our state's economy at this time," said Minister Gardner.
"It is estimated that that well over 1000 jobs will be created over the life of the three builds at Aldinga, Angle Vale and Whyalla.
"The Government's record $1.3 billion education capital works program will require thousands of skilled workers over the coming years and collaborations like this are providing a great opportunity for South Australia's young people to take advantage of this jobs boost."
TAPS operations manager Luke Walsh said the collaboration with Carey Training and Jordan Plumbing was a great success, ensuring the cohort of students were taught the exact skills required for the job they were about to begin.
"We asked the project managers to actually come down and be involved in the course, so the students felt a part of it from day one," Mr Walsh said.
"Tradespeople talked them through things like operating the tools and how to set up their vans.
"We're really proud that the 11 people who finished the course have all transitioned into full-time jobs."
Carey Training CEO Paul Brock said the strength of the program has been the strong collaboration between all stakeholders.
"The outcomes achieved through these programs have given us the drive to continue these relationships and the confidence that we can kickstart the careers of a variety of South Australian jobseekers, setting them up for a successful future."
To learn more about Skilling South Australia projects already underway, or to apply for project funding, visit skilling.sa.gov.au.
