May 4th 2009

Local partnerships build great futures

Terry McNamara & Alphonse Pungana

A partnership between Pilbara TAFE, Bloodwood Tree, Department of Treasury and Finance's Building Management and Works, and South Metropolitan Youth Link (SMYL) is set to provide the building industry with ten more skilled workers.

The students, who are currently in their third week of a ten week program, are studying a mix of units from the Certificate I in Building and Construction and the Certificate I in Resource and Infrastructure Operations, and have already been earmarked for apprenticeships and traineeships with the New Living Project's Jaxon Group.

Pilbara TAFE Construction Lecturer, Steve Baker, explains the partnership has been highly successful in providing opportunities for Indigenous people who want to learn a trade.

"This is an ongoing partnership which has real outcomes," Steve says.

"These blokes are all great workers and have really thrown themselves at every job – you can't fault their enthusiasm or willingness to take on each task. Their hands-on skills are improving every day."

The practical component of the program involves building a pergola from scratch – from reading the plans, to levelling the area, laying the concrete pad and measuring all the materials.

"Once they've completed all the preliminary work, the next challenge is to work as a team and put it all together." says Steve. "They'll sand it off, paint it up and when it's finished, it'll be the pride of the campus!"

For Alphonse Pungana the program has been a great opportunity to learn a range of new skills and use different equipment in a workshop environment.

"I haven't used these kinds of hand tools before so it's been good to learn how to operate the machinery and actually make things. Hopefully it will lead to a job in the industry," he says.

Terry McNamara is also looking forward to better career prospects.

"For me, it's a chance to refresh my skills and get taught properly so the job's done right. It's been a great experience working with all these fellas – it's only been three weeks but it feels like we're part of a strong team."

SMYL Coordinator Tanya Turner has great faith in the program.

"Graham Kennedy from Bloodwood Tree has been instrumental in driving this forward at a local level," she says.

"Through this partnership, we're ensuring a pool of skilled workers who able to meet the requirements of an apprenticeship."

"It's a positive opportunity for local people to meet the labour needs of local industry while improving their own life opportunities."

For more information on programs at Pilbara TAFE, contact 1300 304 244.

Media Contact: Kate Duff, Marketing & Communications
(08) 9159 6712
Kate.duff@pilbaratafe.wa.edu.au