February 18, 2015
Nine long-term unemployed job seekers graduated from Jobfind’s Work for the Dole program after completing a Certificate II in Construction and gaining real-life industry experience.
The program involved the participants working to refurbish the Cessnock PCYC Cottage, as well as the grounds of Jacaranda Grove aged care facility and Mount View Lodge in a bid to beautify Cessnock while helping to reduce unemployment.
Jobfind established the project with the assistance of Novaskill, to combat the shortage of experienced construction labourers throughout the region.
The job seekers completed both theory and practical aspects during the 16-week program.
The participants worked to repair the structure of the PCYC cottage, along with tiling, concreting, removing and replacing the guttering and drainage and painting both the inside and outside of the cottage.
Other tasks completed for Jacaranda Grove and Mount View Lodge included installing a lattice panel fence, landscaping and garden maintenance.
The activities also worked to encourage the job seekers to refine their time management and multi-tasking, and strengthen their abilities to work effectively in teams, preparing them for a smooth transition into the workforce.
Novaskill trainer Shayne Romeyn said the program helped the participants’ confidence and enthusiasm.
“They need to be motivated, and this gives them a bit of a purpose,” he said.
“Now they’re not scared to try things.”
Douglas Rampling was a participant in the program and said he has enjoyed it and has learnt a lot, while making some new friends in the process.
Northern Coalfields Community Care Association (NCCCA) corporate services manager Paul Turner said they were overly satisfied with the work done for Jacaranda Grove and Mount View Lodge.
He added that the program was mutually advantageous as the participants gained a lot of practical skills and NCCCA benefited through the completion of projects as well.
