Training builds careers
Employers value workers with higher skills
IF THE only thing holding you back from a career in civil construction is the training cost, you’re likely creating roadblocks that need not exist.
While training costs are a real consideration and can prove a hurdle to clear when embarking on a new career, there are plenty of funding arrangements available for eligible applicants.
Organisations like Construction Skills Queensland can provide significant funding payments to contribute to, or meet entirely, the cost of training. Conditions do apply – with CSQ for example, applicants must be working in the building and construction industry, a Queensland resident, and not have been funded for the same program previously, among a few other conditions.
For people working in building and construction, who want to give their career a boost or send it in a slightly different direction, it can be done with minimal out-of-pocket expense. Well-skilled employees can make the biggest contribution, and cement themselves as crucial components of their employer’s business.
Director of Toowoomba-based A1 Group Training, Danny McCartin,
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They have an incredible depth of knowledge and experience...
— Danny McCartin
said employers would always treat higher-skilled employees as valuable commodities.
“They have an incredible depth of knowledge and experience that they can draw upon on a day-in day basis to benefit the business and work projects,” he said.
“We are seeing many of the students are completing the short courses and Certificate III courses in Civil Construction Plant Operations and Supervision to give them a better chance of securing a job locally on
the Second Range Crossing.”
The crossing is a $1.6 billion, 41km heavy vehicle bypass route, intended to remove heavy vehicles from Toowoomba’s CBD. Mr McCartin said the demand for workers on the crossing project was a reflection of the broader civil construction industry, and emphasised the importance of industry-relevant training.
“The demand for skilled workers has highlighted the need for on-going training to keep up-to-date with industry requirements and for career development, to have a ‘jump start’ on securing and maintaining work in the civil construction industry,” he said.
“Short courses and certificate programs provide workers with pathways to advance their career.”