More than 180 struggling job seekers have graduated from the Twin Rivers Centre with qualifications in business, hospitality, retail, and community services.
Around 1000 people in total have participated in the free employment programs run by the centre over the years, and hundreds more are to come thanks to a recent $1.81 million boost.
Trainee graduates like Mitch and Nasreen said the programs had “restarted” their lives for the better.
“Participating in the Twin Rivers traineeships has been an incredible opportunity for me,” Nasreen said.
“It has provided me with hands-on experience and practical skills that have significantly boosted my confidence and prepared me for the workforce.
“The support and mentorship I received throughout the program were invaluable, and I’m grateful for the growth and development this traineeship has offered.”
The centre’s Care Manager, Annelise Hellberg, said the program funding was “incredibly clever in its design”.
“We have been honoured to work with so many Queenslanders to connect, build and equip people for success in all areas of life,” she said.
Participants leave the programs with a Certificate I in Hospitality, Retail Services or Workplace Skills, or a Certificate II in Community Services or Hospitality.
They learn skills in hospitality, disability and aged care, while gaining practical experience working at the Twin Rivers Centre reception, café kitchen, grounds and maintenance team, care department, and food outlet.
Macalister MP Melissa McMahon said she was proud the state government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) funding was uniting her electorate by “supporting the most disadvantaged members of our community to achieve the futures they deserve”.
“Cost of living relief is my number one priority and SQW is getting more of our locals into jobs that will set them up for life,” she said.
“Their new qualifications, paid for by progressive mining royalties, are a golden ticket to the good jobs that are being created right across Queensland.
“Twin Rivers has been a cornerstone provider of SQW in our local community and the Miles Labor Government is proud to fund the programs they run.
“With the opening of the second funding round, I am looking forward to seeing even more projects come to life, supporting our community, and boosting the local workforce.”
