Souths Cares is celebrating the success of 13 Barranggirra Program participants who recently completed a Pre-Employment Program in Civil Construction, hosted by the CPB – Ghella (CPB-G) Joint Venture.
The Pre-Employment Program was developed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learners residing in Western Sydney to expedite apprenticeship opportunities working on the large-scale Sydney Metro–Western Sydney Airport project. The group included learners from a diverse age range – from 16 years old to 53 years old, with varying experience and at different stages in their working careers.
The course provided participants with all the training required to fast-track their careers in the construction industry including a Certificate 2 in Civil Construction as well as White Card, Gold Card and Elevating Working Platform tickets.
The initiative has achieved great outcomes, with a 100% training completion rate and eight members of the group already commencing apprenticeships in Civil Construction and Mechanical Engineering across various Sydney Metro sites. The remaining five participants will continue to be supported through their employment journeys by Souths Cares.
Corey Kelly, Barranggirra Employment and Training Mentor explained he was proud of the group’s dedication to completing their training.
“It was a rewarding experience to support these hard-working and dedicated learners complete their Pre-Employment Program and then see eight of the group transition into exciting apprenticeship opportunities with CPB-G.
Everyone has got some valuable training under their belt and are in a great position to launch their careers in the construction industry”, Corey said.
The initiative emphasized the value of collaboration, with multiple stakeholders including CPB-G, Aboriginal Employment Strategy, Yalagan Group, the Kimberwalli Centre and Souths Cares working in partnership to support the learners. Sarah Ahern, Workforce Development and Industry Participation Manager with CPB-G explained the Barranggirra Program played an important role in supporting the group complete the training.
“Corey supported our pre-employment group throughout the program and beyond, talking with and getting to know each of them, offering advice and support.
Corey was always a happy and friendly face for the group, making everyone laugh and encouraging everyone in the group to take every opportunity provided to them”, Sarah said.
Souths Cares will continue supporting each participant as they work towards achieving their longer-term training, employment and career aspirations.
The Barranggirra Program is proudly supported by Training Services NSW.
