D2CC

Doorways to Civil Construction

The Doorways 2 Civil Construction (D2CC) initiative will directly address the skills required for entry to the civil infrastructure sector of the industry.

The Civil Contractors Federation (CCF), in collaboration with their funding partners Construction Skills Queensland, is delivering a school based program designed to deliver the entry level skills required to students who wish to pursue a career in the Civil infrastructure sector. The D2CC program is already underway within Queensland schools.

This program aims to equip students with an understanding of the Civil Industry by introducing them to OH&S, Quality Work Outcomes, Environmental Work Practices, Communication, Plan & Organise Work and Small Plant & Equipment, all in the context of the Civil Construction industry. Click on the links to find out more.

We are all aware of the significant skills challenge facing our industry. The CCF in Queensland is working in a number of areas to support members overcome the challenges this shortage is creating as well as taking a longer-term view and attempting to increase the pool of skilled workers available into the future. In this article I want to focus particularly on our efforts to attract young people into the industry through our partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ).

The CCF and CSQ have developed a model to engage over 100 school students in 2008 to participate in an introductory VET in Schools program for the Civil Industry. The participants will be undertaking a Certificate I in Resources & Infrastructure Operations, and in addition will participate in structured work placements while in the program. The model has been funded by CSQ and falls under the banner of the Doorways to CIVIL Construction Program.

The overall aim of the program is to attract more students into the Civil Construction Industry by developing a Model that introduces them to six competencies in Civil Construction along with two weeks of Structured Work Placement (SWP). One of the key outcomes of the program is to equip students with an understanding of the Civil Industry through introducing them to OH&S; Quality Work Outcomes; Environmental work practises; Communication; Plan & Organise Work and Small Plant & Equipment, all in the context of the Civil Construction industry.

The Project will be delivered at Schools in a range of Regional Centres, alongside South East Queensland, including Yeppoon; Rockhampton; Tannum Sands; Bundaberg; Sunshine Coast and Brisbane North & South and will be "Hands-on". Students will participate in three six day blocks throughout 2008, eight hours per day, one Block in Term One, Two and Three. The Schools involved are very enthusiastic and supportive of the Program and jointly we have developed projects at Schools with the focus on minimising classroom activity, and promoting realistic experiences for the participants.

The Structured Work Placement component will take place throughout the June/July and September School Holidays and the CCF is calling on Members to provide support for this Program by offering work experience for these students.

Should you be planning to expand your business in the short term, or have an immediate need to employ new staff, this is seen to be an exciting opportunity in the making for you to be a part of!

We would welcome any contact from Members who would like to be involved in the Project. For more information please contact Aidan Leonard, Operations Manger (Training Services) on 07 3360 7955 or via email at aleonard@civilcontractors.com

D2CC

Doorways to Civil Construction

D2CC Links