It was tools down and time to celebrate as four Indigenous women from the Byron Shire successfully graduated from Dubay for Jarjumirr Park Program, a construction pre apprenticeship program designed to build skills, confidence and pathways into ongoing employment.
The initiative, delivered by Novaskill (RTO Code 6996) and supported by key local partners including Byron Shire Council, Bundjalung of Byron Bay Aboriginal Corporation (Arakwal) and North Coast Local Jobs Program, supported participants through a construction pre-apprenticeship program, including White Card training, and practical skills in carpentry, concreting and measurements.
Participants had the opportunity to put these skills into practice in a workplace environment at the Byron Shire Council Depot.
"It was wonderful to see these women making friends, gaining new skills and building confidence during the program. By applying the skills they had learnt, they worked on a project to construct and install a picnic table at the Jarjumirr Park (Byron Bay Skate Park) for the community to enjoy," said Abby Stevens, Council's Business Partner (Workforce Capability).
In addition to providing practical, hands-on experience, the program also focused on preparing participants for employment. Current female employees at Byron Shire Council shared their experiences and career progression, before the group were guided through the job application processes.
One of the participants, Sharon Kay said, "The course has been fantastic, blending theory with hands-on learning. Novaskill has connected us with other women and employers like Byron Shire Council and Spinifex. I especially enjoyed the Byron Shire Council depot walkthrough, which revealed the diverse career opportunities within the council, and it was inspiring to meet other female trade workers."
"To see these ladies graduate today is a wonderful example of community organisations working together to create pathways for employment and to support increasing female participation and representation in the construction industry," said Ms Stevens.
