To any Canberrans disadvantaged in the labour market and looking for a meaningful career path, Ginninderry has your back.
The SPARK JobTrainer Ginninderry Construction Taster Program is up and running for yet another year and awaits to guide you through your first steps towards employment.
Mel Lyons, SPARK Training and Employment Manager, describes the program as a “unique taster” of working in the construction industry.
“A key part of SPARK is making sure participants are prepared to take their next steps and have everything they need to transition to work experience and employment at the end of it,” Ms Lyons says.
The innovative accredited training program, jointly funded by the ACT and Australian Governments through the JobTrainer program, lets participants get their hands dirty on a live worksite and learn communication, time management, team building, and practical skills that are essential to future careers.
“Many participants go on to finish a full Certificate II in Construction,” she says.
“What’s unique, from a SPARK perspective, is that the team is there to provide support every step of the way!
“Everyone’s journey looks different; whether you go into employment or further study, there’s different avenues and pathways you can take.”
SPARK Ginninderry and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) are hosting a two-part information session on Tuesday 21 February at UnitingCare Kippax. Canberrans seeking job opportunities and with an interest in construction are encouraged to email [email protected] or call 1800 316 900. The friendly team will tell you more about the program and check your eligibility.
SPARK graduate testimonials
After completing college together in December 2020, Kaillum Machado and William Hills were looking for their next opportunity when their friend’s mum handed them a flyer for the SPARK JobTrainer Ginninderry Construction Taster Program.
The SPARK team first met Kaillum and William at the information session, where they were provided with an overview of the program, what they could get out of it, and the commitment they would need to make.
“I really liked how they expected something of me and that they were going to be there to support me if I needed it,” Kaillum says.
The three-day-a-week construction program ran over 10 weeks and provided participants with eight units of competency towards a Certificate II in Construction.
The program was a combination of theory and practical hands-on learning, where participants had the opportunity to put their classroom learning into action through a live training site building wicking garden beds for Café Stepping Stone in Strathnairn, ACT.
“This environment was perfect for me; I learn better by doing. I also had to work with lots of different people, people I wouldn’t usually hang out with. My communication skills got better, and I learnt how to be more patient,” Kaillum says.
Delivered in partnership with CIT and funded through JobTrainer, a jointly funded initiative of the ACT and Australian governments, the program provides participants with accredited units, White Card training, Asbestos Awareness training and PPE, all fee free.
“I liked the CIT trainers, they were so knowledgeable and really took the time to make sure we felt confident in what we were doing, it didn’t matter where we came from or that I was young – we were all treated with respect,” William says.
SPARK programs are designed to support participants on their journey through training and into their next pathway. They do this by providing a SPARK Relationship Manager who journeys alongside the participants, supporting them to establish their direction and tackle any challenges.
“SPARK gave us everything we needed to be ready for work including all our PPE! Rachel, the Relationship Manager, helped me get my L’s, she helped me with my resume, and she even prepared me for my first real job interview,” William says.
“The support offered from SPARK also helped me along the way when I had a few little hiccups in my life,” Kaillum says. “Rachel was such a great mentor; she was always checking in on us. I felt like SPARK really cared about us as people. Even now, Rachel keeps in contact to check in on me and see how I am … this means a lot.”
Both William and Kaillum are now both working full-time for Near Me Roofing. The two young tradies are moving up through the ranks and building on their skills and knowledge, day in, and day out.
“I came out of college with no idea what to do. After doing SPARK, my work life kind of just fell together. I would 100 per cent recommend it!” William smiles.
What: SPARK JobTrainer Ginninderry Construction Taster Program information session
When: Tuesday 21 February
Contact: [email protected] or 1800 316 900
More information: ginninderry.com/SPARK
For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
