Ginninderry developers offer jump-start into construction industry

Riverview Projects launched an ACT-first concept in July with their developer-backed community training and is rolling out a second round for another 20 participants in the SPARK West Belconnen Pre-Employment Program kicking off on October 10.

Trainees involved in initial SPARK Strathnairn Arts Pre-Employment Program are days away from finishing improvements at the art association and moving on to new work opportunities armed with a Certificate II in Construction, mandatory asbestos training and a construction White Card.

Sam Hilton,17, dropped out of high school and said getting involved with the SPARK course was a chance to prove his value to future employers and get worthy credentials on his resume.

"I didn't have very good attendance at my school," he said. "Coming to the course and having that 100 per cent attendance shows I do show up and I am reliable."

The 10-week course is a 35-week commitment from Monday to Friday where participants are exposed to basic construction, carpentry, brickwork and more as they complete the course theory component with trainers.

The upcoming course will redevelop an unused and overgrown courtyard in Kippax as well as building a community garden facility at Canberra City Care.

The concept of a developer offering employment training is new for the ACT but a tried and tested formula by Riverview Projects in South Australia, SPARK Training and Employment Manager Emma Sckrabei said.

"This program is specifically targeted at people who are disconnected from the labour market in West Belconnen and Belconnen and who were looking for a pathway into some formal training," she said.

"We are providing these great houses and a new suburb but also social inclusion benefits back to the community."

The developer, in partnership with the Land Development Agency, has secured funding to run the course from Belconnen Community Service, Canberra City Care, Bricklayer Training Australia, Construction Industry Training Council, an ACT government Better Services grant and OZHelp Foundation.

The initial program attracted a diverse group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and women, as well as several people from non-english speaking backgrounds.

Ms Sckrabei said the West Belconnen-based initiative aimed to attract people from the area, but all Canberrans could apply.

However, meeting the eligibility criteria and demonstrating a conscientious attitude were necessary to secure a funded place.

"We have worked hard to secure all this funding so we want to ensure all participants are committed," Ms Sckrabei said.

"The qualification costs $3600 so we ask participants are required to contribute $350 but if they complete the program they get that reimbursed plus a little bit extra."