Civil Construction Pre-employment program aims to fill local workforce gaps

Fifteen students identified through local jobs program and in partnership with Charles Darwin University TAFE Alice Springs will complete a 10-week intensive pre-employment program this week.

The program looked at skills required for the successful placement of individuals into the construction industry including Traffic Management, Loader Operations, Skid Steer Operations White Card, Work Health and Safety requirements, Excavation operations and more. 

Upon completion the students will receive a Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations.

The program was developed in direct response for the demand of skilled labourers in the region, through the collaboration between Charles Darwin University TAFE Alice Springs, Local Jobs Program and the Workforce Development Working group in Alice Springs.

CDU TAFE Deputy CEO Central Australia Kelly McCarthy said due to the success of this project CDU TAFE will actively look to create similar partnerships in the future to help build the local workforce.

“As a TAFE, we ensure that the vocational education we are delivering is industry-focused and will help build the local workforce, “Mr McCarthy said.

“In the regions we must be flexible and creative in adapting course delivery to meet the needs of our students and industry partners.  This pre-employment program is just one example how CDU TAFE and other organisations can work together to ensure our local workforce meets the growing demands in the region.”

Workforce Australia Employment Facilitator Michelle Burgess said the active collaborations such as these are critical to meeting local workforce needs.

“Actively collaborating with service providers in the region can enable us to showcase local talent, meet industry demand and keep jobs local,” Ms Burgess said.

“Each participant self-nominated themselves to access the pre-employment program and are hopeful that it will lead to further employment opportunities.”

CDU TAFE student Roland Ferber said the experience has been life changing.

“When I heard about this opportunity, I felt happy to be able to come in and learn new skills,” Mr Ferber said.

“I am really excited about my future now that I have my tickets and I really enjoyed working with the machinery, making some new friends and I’m looking forward to what is next.”

The program was funded by CDU TAFE and Department of Employment and Workforce Relations Local Recovery Fund. Additionally, Saltbush Social Enterprises were contracted by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to provide participants transport assistance during the program.