Jobfind’s Employability Skills Training (EST) program in Cairns has opened the doors to full-time employment in the construction industry for Noel and Sanjay.
The 3-week pre-employment course, conducted in February 2023, quickly identified the men’s interests and capabilities to work in construction, where there are significant employment opportunities in Cairns.
What is Employability Skills Training?
Jobfind delivers the Workforce Australia – Employability Skills Training on behalf of the Australian Government.
The short pre-employment course prepares individuals for work by developing micro-credentials in workplace skills such as:
- Teamwork
- Goal setting
- Resilience
- Digital literacy
Participants also enhance their employment prospects through activities in:
- Resume Writing
- Interview Skills
- Online job search
- Writing job applications
- Personal presentation for work
The course is designed to help participants explore their industry-specific work interests, visit work sites to increase their industry awareness, and prepare to meet local employers.
Suha McCartney, Employability Skills Training Facilitator, goes the extra mile to tailor every course to her group participants.
“Our participants get better outcomes when the course is tailored to their learning styles and unique circumstances,” says Suha.
The personal attention paid off for Noel and Sanjay; Suha assisted both men to enrol in a construction apprenticeship program before their EST program finished!
Finding employment faster with Employability Skills Training
Noel, far right, on an industry visit to Bunnings
At the age of 39, father of five, Noel, was actively looking for work with the assistance of his local Workforce Australia provider. He had been unemployed for more than six months.
At 22 years, Sanjay, from a migrant background, was struggling to find entry level work in a supportive environment. He had been unemployed for three months when he commenced his EST program.
During their initial assessments prior to starting the EST program, Suha identified their interests to pursue a career in the construction industry, as well as their learning needs in the course.
“Our trainer used role play and verbal instructions to tailor the course content for maximum learning,” explains Suha.
Construction is a growth industry in Cairns and so Suha secured their enrolment in an upcoming Get Ready program conducted by the National Institute of Construction Skills- RTO 30048. The 3-week program includes:
- Exposure to a variety of wet trades (such as plastering, tiling and waterproofing)
- Learning accredited units in a variety of safe work practices for the construction industry
- A 1-week work placement with an employer looking for an apprentice.
“The placements provided a real-world experience so our participants could be in front of employers and make informed choices about their transition into the construction industry,” says Suha.
Since commencing the Get Ready program, Noel has secured an apprenticeship and Sanjay is working full-time in a maintenance role.
About Jobfind Employability Skills Training
Jobfind delivers Workforce Australia – Employability Skills Training in locations in NSW, VIC, QLD and WA.
Employability Skills Training is a work readiness group pre-employment program tailored to individual participants. Participants interact in work-like experiences and industry scenarios for real-world preparation for local jobs.
Employability Skills Training is also designed to support local employers to find the right staff to meet their business needs.
