Ever wondered what it’s like to be long-term unemployed in a regional part of Australia? Finding ongoing work can be tough and statistically it’s even harder as an Indigenous Australian.
Thanks to MAX and
Vocational Training & Employment Centres (VTEC), two job seekers in Queensland’s Western Downs have successfully found work with infrastructure support service provider
ProCrew.
John and Rubin are looking forward to brighter futures after starting jobs at ProCrew, Chinchilla as Vegetation Management Technicians.
Here they are learning new skills and qualifications to equip them to succeed in their careers and set themselves up for long term employment.
Through MAX and VTEC, John and Rubin have done a 4WD defensive driving course, obtained a forklift licence, and completed safety training and chemical certification required for the job.
John said it’s been very helpful to get a foot in the industry door.
“It’s great because I can stay in the same field or go somewhere else after. ProCrew is a great local business and the job’s definitely a keeper,” he said.
Originally from Cunnamulla, John moved to the area about two years ago to find work.
“I guess it depends on the industry and how many jobs there will be in the future, but it’s pretty good at the moment,” he said.
“MAX was excellent and they helped us out a lot; there’s no way we could have done it ourselves.”
ProCrew Managing Director Rob Carter said the new recruits are doing very well.
“We’re a small family-owned business based in Chinchilla and we pride ourselves on being a local employer,” Rob said.
“It’s about establishing a pathway so they can get into the industry and go on to work for a gas project or it might lead to a supervisor role.
“It’s a great opportunity for us as well to use their enthusiasm, help them do well for themselves and use that ambition and drive to make a difference to our work and for our clients.”
Sign up to the MAX newsletter for more stories, resources and helpful guides