Building careers through Skilling Queenslanders for Work
Jason Gardner, General Manager, Career Employment Australia
Programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work are critical for industry.
The biggest impact that Skilling Queenslanders for Work has had, is confidence. A lot of people come with very little confidence, they don’t know what the tools are, how to use them, how to plan a project, and by the end of the project we find that they’ve found that confidence.
Conor Allen Arnold, SQW Participant
I was inspired to join the program because the job opportunities that could be available after completing the course and the skills that I can obtain. The most valuable experience has been the learning of the tools, the painting, how to put up the walls, and also the people.
Tyler Willet, SQW Participant
I’ve got to know a little about a lot. Things like bricklaying, painting, framing, cladding, lots about tools and equipment.
Jason Gardner, General Manager, Career Employment Australia
These programs are good for community because places like RSLs, sporting clubs, churches, are all the main beneficiaries and they tend to provide the sort of projects that give them the right skills for Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects.
Tyler Willet, SQW Participant
I’ll be jumping into an apprenticeship and painting when I leave this program.
Conor Allen Arnold, SQW Participant
I’ve noticed a change in my confidence and definitely a change in my skills and my new outlook for the future is, I’m definitely going to go into construction after this course.
Tyler Willet, SQW Participant
I would recommend this program to others because whether or not you go through and decide you want to do a trade, or it’s not for you, you’re gaining a qualification and many skills you can transfer into life, so win-win.
Job seekers in Brisbane’s south-east are gaining the skills, confidence and experience needed to pursue careers in construction, thanks to a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project delivered by Career Employment Australia.
Over 18 weeks, participants transformed the Community Hall at Parkside Community and Services Club while completing a Certificate I in Construction. The project provided hands-on training across a wide range of construction activities, including reading and interpreting plans, estimating materials, using tools and equipment, and undertaking practical tasks such as painting, framing, installing fixtures and maintaining a safe worksite.
Participants also benefited from working alongside licensed tradespeople, including plumbers and electricians, gaining valuable exposure to real industry environments.
But it’s about more than building skills. It’s building confidence.
“The biggest impact that Skilling Queenslanders for Work has had is confidence,” said Jason Gardner, General Manager at Career Employment Australia. “By the end of the project, participants have built not only practical skills, but belief in their ability to succeed.”
Participant Conor Allen Arnold said the program has changed his outlook for the future.
“I’ve noticed a change in my confidence and definitely a change in my skills. I’m definitely going to go into construction after this course,” he said.
Fellow participant Tyler Willet has also gained a broad range of practical skills and is preparing to move into an apprenticeship.
“I’ve got to know a little about a lot — bricklaying, painting, framing, cladding, and using tools and equipment,” she said.
Beyond training, Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants receive tailored support including case management, employability and life skills development, language, literacy and numeracy assistance, and job search support.
Skilling Queenslander for Work creates pathways into employment for jobseekers and provides local businesses with job-ready candidates eager to get to work and keep building their skills.
Learn more about Skilling Queenslanders for Work.