- New fund helping young Gold Coasters become tradies and build homes
- Trainees will have full-time paid work, obtaining Cert I in Construction and White Card
- Comes as Miles Government has $1 billion in social housing under construction and contracted
- Part of government's Homes for Queenslanders plan to build one million more homes
Young Gold Coasters will build their careers and Home for Queenslanders as part of a new initiative by the Miles Government.
A new fund has been launched, which will see 28 young people gain a Certificate I in Construction and White Card as they work on housing projects.
In partnership with the state's publicly-owned QBuild and employed by community organisations yourtown and Multicultural Families Organisation, trainees will ply their skills on a new social housing project in Coomera and by upgrading crisis accommodation.
Both organisations will also deliver wrap-around support for trainees, which may include mentoring, development of literacy, digital literacy and numeracy skills, learner driver assistance, crisis support and job preparation support.
It's part of the Miles Government's Homes for Queenslanders plan, which is already seeing more than $1 billion in social housing projects either in construction or contracted.
The plan will deliver one million more homes, including 53,500 more social homes.
As stated by Housing Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon:
"Not only are we building homes, we're building careers.
"To build one million Homes for Queenslanders, we need to make sure we have the workforce to deliver them.
"We're already rolling out free TAFE and apprenticeships, as well as cash back for first year tradies and their equipment – and this announcement is another tool in the belt.
"It means young Gold Coasters from different walks of life will be able to set themselves up for a good career in an industry teeming with good jobs.
"That's unlike the LNP who shut down TAFEs and sacked thousands of QBuild workers, the people who build, maintain and repair homes – and who are helping these young people gain their qualifications."
As stated by yourtown National Social Enterprises Manager Sarai Tuuga:
"SQW Work Skills Traineeships enable organisations like ours to provide valuable paid training to young people who often have no, or any work experience.
"The young people receive training in construction, and this particular project will allow them to work alongside QBuild involving other trades, giving them exposure to other types of work and employment opportunities.
"We value the Queensland Government's investment into this program that has several benefits.
"The opportunity to train jobseekers whilst building and improving community assets makes sense both financially and socially."
As stated by yourtown Leading Hand and former construction trainee Caleb Schubert:
"I can't really put into words how much I have learnt since I started SQW.
"Now I'm a Leading Hand position (with yourtown), I get my own set of jobs to do and when the trainers need a hand, I help with their grounds maintenance or help with other parks jobs.
"I feel a lot more confident that I can do well in my job and have pride in what I've done - not second guess myself, not be worried about the tools.
"I'm looking forward to becoming a trainer to help young people such as myself where I was when I first started and get them ready for work."
As stated by Multicultural Families Organisation Director Sebastian Chadwick:
"The Housing Construction Traineeship Fund is a valuable financial opportunity that enables community organisations like Multicultural Families Organisation to continue delivering essential training and education to individuals aspiring to enter the residential construction industry.
"Beyond education and support, the traineeship will also benefit the community by contributing to the upgrade of a local emergency housing project in Southport.
"MFO is committed to building the skills and capacity of culturally diverse communities on the Gold Coast through tailored employment and training programs.
"As the local housing industry experiences a surge in residential construction, initiatives like this traineeship will ensure the region has skilled, work-ready to meet the growing demand for construction workers."
As stated by Multicultural Families Organisation former construction trainee Agness Mwangi:
"As a single mum from overseas I felt like I would never have the opportunity to upskill or create a career for myself here in Australia, but I fell in love with the construction industry by doing this course and I can see that myself and other women have a place in it.
"I will never forget the support and opportunity MFO, Bruce (site supervisor) and the Queensland Government have given me and others in need.
"These courses make us feel seen and let us know there is hope for a better future for us and our families - I am forever grateful."
As stated by Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum:
"These traineeships are more than just a job on our Big Build, they're a lifeline for Queenslanders who need it most.
"Everyone deserves a fair go, and these sponsored traineeships open the door for vulnerable Queenslanders to get their first start on the tools and take charge of their futures.
"The LNP don't back these programs, in fact David Crisafulli and Campbell Newman cut it completely, so the workers who rely on this support should rightly be worried about their future.
"We can't risk going backwards under the LNP."
