March 30, 2016
The first crop of Rail Trail trainees graduated in Kingaroy last week, and 60 per cent of them will be walking straight into employment.
The ten young people spent the last 18 weeks helping South Burnett Regional Council staff build the new Kingaroy-Murgon Rail Trail.
They were engaged by South Burnett CTC under a Skilling Queenslanders For Work program funded by the State Government.
During the 18 week Certificate 1 in Construction traineeship, they participated in a wide variety of Rail Trail-related activities which included everything from helping Council staff finish off new bridges to emu parades along the former railway line to remove metal railway refuse before mowing crews came through.
They also helped construct a new pergola at the Wondai Cemetery and refurbish a shelter shed along the route, both under the watchful eye of their supervisior, registered builder Col Walker, and Council staff.
During their traineeship they also undertook a Certificate I in Construction along with other short courses related to their work assignments.
These included Levels 1 and 2 in chainsaw operations, a general safety induction white card, a first aid certificate and ACDC chemical handling tickets.
Last Thursday the trainees were presented with certificates at a small ceremony held at the South Burnett Enterprise Centre in Kingaroy.
The ceremony was attended by CTC Chairman John Box; CTC CEO Nina Temperton; and representatives from DEET, TAFE South West, Regional Training Services and the South Burnett Regional Council.
CTC Employment Services Manager Barb O’Hanlon said one very exciting outcome of the project was that six of the trainees have already secured employment as a result of their participation in the program, while the remaining four have a variety of irons in the fire waiting on notifications.
“We’re very proud of these trainees,” she said.
“And when the Rail Trail opens later in the year, many other people will be able to enjoy the work these amazing young people have helped produce.”
