By Michael Esposito
STAR News Group and Victoria University are getting behind a WPC Group initiative to help young people get into the building and construction industry.
WPC Group, a non-profit training organisation for apprentices and trainees, has launched the “Build our Future” website, a one-stop shop for employers seeking apprentices.
The website (www.buildourfuture.com.au) helps those seeking skilled work gain a job placement and have access to expert training, information, mentoring, advice and support.
“The building and construction industry offers terrific opportunities for young people looking for a career,” WPG Group CEO Nicholas Wyman said. “Training is available though Build our Future for a wide range of jobs, from building design to construction, from furniture making to plumbing. Skills of the future will include green skills such as retrofitting and energy saving, which will be in high demand,” he said.
Mr Wyman said the nature of skills sought by employers was changing. “Many companies and workplaces are looking for people to train for emerging green markets by integrating environmental approaches and values into the apprenticeships and traineeships on offer,” he said.
TV presenter and builder by trade Marc Canavan is an ambassador for the WPC and is voicing the SEN radio campaign. Marc’s most recent TV work has been on the Channel Nine program, Battlefronts, a back and frontyard makeover show. He has also hosted fishing adventure show, The Big Fish, and has had acting roles in Stingers and Secret Life of Us.
Editor of Star’s North West Division Stephen Linnell urged business to support the initiative.
“This initiative will provide young people in the West with a chance to showcase their skills and build a rewarding career,” he said.
