A GROUP of Jimboomba and Scenic Rim trainees were presented with their certificate I in conservation and land management at the Jimboomba Community Gardens on Friday.
The trainees completed a six month program supported by the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, the Belong organisation, and the Jimboomba Community Gardens.
Program co-ordinator Raelee Vearing said the last six months would provide the graduates with greater life skills, with some already securing employment in council.
“They teamed up for bush rejuvenation in Jimboomba and have been working on Henderson creek... down the hill and they planted over 150 trees over the last six months and that will help hold the river beds together,” she said.
“They have picked up a lot of other skills like building confidence, team work and time management and those employability skills are a big part of it.
“Not everyone is cut out for the green industries but they are certainly ready for work in whatever field they want to go into.”
The graduates have gained a wide range of practical skills including bush cutting, mowing, garden maintenance, weed removal, fertilising and working with chemicals.
Trainee supervisor Georgie Francis said she was proud to see the graduates come so far.
“This program will help for anything in horticulture, experience from here will suit them anywhere they go and a couple of people have secured jobs in council.”
Ms Francis said the next round of traineeships would be open in April and encouraged anyone with the motivation to work to get on board.
“It will be good for people who like being outdoors whether it is hot weather or cold weather,” she said.
“You need to be physically strong and get along with a wide range of people.”
The traineeship will be advertised closer to the next round commencing.
