Skilling workers to meet shortage
As Queensland’s Resource and Infrastructure sector grapples with a skills shortage1, a new program aimed at skilling local people in Central and North Queensland is offering a solution.
MRAEL and Capricornia Training Company (CTC), part of the IntoWork Group, will deliver ‘Step into Resources and Infrastructure’ in Mackay and Rockhampton, a program which will see locals develop employability skills and confidence to prepare them to enter the workforce using a combination of industry specific training, work readiness and employment support.
According to the National Skills Commission’s 2022 Skills Priority List, metal fitters, machinists, drillers, miners, truck drivers, electricians and shot firers were the most in demand occupations, equated to 30 per cent of national job ads listed in Queensland.2
MRAEL and CTC CEO Christine Zechowski said the program is specifically designed to help locals prepare to join the workforce, ensuring they develop relevant skills to meet current and future demands within the industry, “Participants of the program undertake a Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure Work Preparation, delivered by an approved Registered Training Organisation, and are supported by program mentors with employability and work readiness training – aimed at preparing them to successfully join or re-join the work force,” Ms Zechowski said.
Ms Zechowski said the program helps participants feel more confident in job hunting, networking with employers and on-the-job work experience with support from MRAEL’s assistance, “This project is holistic and provides participants with industry specific skills, experience and qualifications through accredited training as well as employability skills, job search techniques and life skills”
Step into Resources and Infrastructure will be available to people aged 25 and over in Mackay and people in any age bracket in Rockhampton.
The programs have been funded through the State Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative which assists up to 15,000 disadvantaged Queenslanders each year to gain skills, qualifications and experience to enter and stay in the workforce.
The next program will run in Rockhampton from January 30 to April 14, and in Mackay from February 6 to April 21.
For more information, go to MRAEL’s Facebook page, or email [email protected].
Media Contact: Jennifer Menchin, National Communications Manager, 0439 980 624
