Our earliest training employment programs were run within the Playford Alive project. These proved so successful that we extended the Works Program to the Bowden project in 2012 and to Tonsley Innovation District, Port Adelaide and The Square at Woodville West in 2014.
The program provides training and employment opportunities through initiatives run in collaboration with project partners, registered training providers and interest groups and with the support of the Department of State Development’s WorkReady initiative.
These opportunities cover industries and occupations as diverse as construction, horticulture, business administration, retail, child care, community services, aged care and disability support.
Local students and job seekers are provided with work experience and in some cases, paid employment opportunities through economic development commitment clauses in all Renewal SA-managed contracts. These contracts relate to government infrastructure works and land sales managed by Renewal SA.
Designed to produce work-ready candidates for industry, Live Site Training programs offer people valuable experience working on real infrastructure projects while building new skills and gaining qualifications. These outdoor classroom style programs are offered in partnership with Registered Training Organisations.
The Works Program also provides pre-employment programs offering qualifications or training options that help participants to build on their skill to meet the needs of future employers. They also offer work experience and employment if participants successfully complete all aspects of the program to the employer’s requirements and standards.
Renewal SA General Manager People and Place Management Georgina Vasilevski said the Works Program was a tried and tested model for helping South Australians get training, work experience and employment.
“The program has had enormous success over the past ten years in delivering accredited training and work experience, helping participants overcome barriers to entering the workforce and ultimately changing their lives,” she said.
“It provides valuable opportunities which ensure that local communities and individuals benefit from our urban renewal activities.
“I would like to thank all the project partners who have helped to make the Works Program such a success.”
Sixteen people from the northern and north-eastern suburbs are now taking part in the 12-week Blokes and Beauties on the Block program with North East Vocational College, getting first-hand experience in refurbishing two South Australian Housing Trust homes and building outdoor furniture. The program is also designed as a general pathway to employment and training by fostering attributes such as punctuality, team work and problem-solving. They can also gain a nationally-recognised qualification in the construction industry.
Registrations are currently open for at northern suburbs residents who are interested in a career as a disability support worker. To learn more about our current Works Programs or register your interest in future programs, visit the Works Program page.