Eight community members have just completed the ‘Operating Your Futures’ program, hosted by Civil Contractors Federation South Australia (CCF SA) Civil Train and supported by Whyalla City Council.
This initiative, developed and awarded to the CCF SA and federally funded through the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations National Priority Fund, aims to address Australia’s skills shortage in plant operations, which is listed as a national priority.
The program provides free nationally recognised accredited training to new and existing mature-aged (45+) workers in the civil industry. Participants, including several council staff, have recently gained hands-on experience with CCF SA plant machine simulators and live on-site training (Skid Steer, Roller, Excavator), designed to meet industry needs.
Key goals of the program include re-skilling workers aged 45+, revitalizing regional areas by expanding the civil workforce, and removing traditional barriers to employment.
Manager of City Operations Colin Sharp congratulated the graduates of the program for their commitment to growth and opportunity.
“By investing in the skills of our workforce, we’re not just filling jobs; we’re creating opportunities for our locals,” he said.
The initiative is supported by the Australian Government’s Local Jobs Program.
