Eleven long-term unemployed and underemployed residents from the Bonnyrigg and surrounding areas graduated today from Landcom’s Skills Exchange program following their completion of a six week training course that will provide them with real job opportunities in the construction industry.

The Newleaf at Bonnyrigg Skills Exchange program is a collaboration between Landcom, Land and Housing Corporation, TRN (Civil Contractors), Master Builders Association, and The Daystar Foundation, and aims to upskill students by providing them with free training in the construction industry before progressing towards potential work placement.

Landcom CEO John Brogden said that the Newleaf at Bonnyrigg Skills Exchange program saw students participate in a three day training course each week over a six week period to gain certified skills including basic construction, construction health and safety, first aid, and traffic management.

“The Skills Exchange is a key element of Landcom’s Sustainable and Productive Places pillar, which aims to provide education, training and ultimately clear pathways for local people to access local jobs,” Mr Brogden said.

“In collaboration with job placement providers and employers, the focus is on recruiting the long-term unemployed and underemployed into training programs to ensure they can access vital upskilling and industry work experience and ultimately, long-term employment.

“This fantastic program will see students undergo interviews over the next few weeks for a placement with TRN to work on the next stage of earthworks for our Bonnyrigg community.”

Master Builders NSW Executive Director Brian Seidler commended the participants of Landcom’s Skills Exchange program.

“We are very proud to provide industry best practice training to support the Skills Exchange participants’ employability and the improvement of their skills for the construction industry,” Mr Seidler said.

Local St Johns Park resident and Skills Exchange participant Viet Nguyen said he is thrilled with the opportunity to get job-ready for a chance at success in the building construction industry.

“The Skills Exchange program has been a great way for me to improve my skills and experience in order to prepare for an amazing opportunity in the construction industry,” Mr Nguyen said.

“I live locally, so the chance to work on the ground, helping to rebuild the community I live in, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Another Skills Exchange participant Glenda Santos said the program benefits locals by providing invaluable hands-on training and experience.

“It has been such an amazing experience learning so many new skills and getting on-the-job training – especially with the big machines onsite!

“As a young mum of three it has been really hard finding work so hopefully these new skills will give me a leg-up in the construction industry – which is something I have always wanted to do.

“It has also been really great connecting with other locals in the community who are looking for a fresh start and looking to get ahead for themselves and their families.”   

Mr Brogden said Landcom has undertaken similar Skills Exchange programs on its redevelopment projects with the Land and Housing Corporation at Claymore and Airds as well Landcom’s Macarthur Gardens project.

“The Skills Exchange program is such a rewarding experience not only for the students who gain invaluable onsite training, but also the local community who benefit from the significant impact that real employment opportunities provide.”

Newleaf at Bonnyrigg is a Landcom and Land and Housing Corporation project undertaking the long-term renewal of the Bonnyrigg housing estate located in Fairfield in south-west Sydney.

The project will completely transform the area into a modern mixed tenure community comprising 70% private housing and 30% social housing, with new community facilities, parks and road networks also to be delivered.

Find out more about:

• Skills Exchange Program
• Newleaf at Bonnyrigg project