A YOUNG Flagstone trainee who was shy and uncertain has transitioned into a skilled worker and confident public speaker in the space of five weeks.
Yarrabilba Jobs Exchange client Liam Shaw, 20, was referred to a Conservation and Land Management program with Reclink Australia as part of a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project at Kurrajong Park, Jimboomba.
Under the program, Mr Shaw is working with 14 other trainees to apply practical construction and conservation skills at the Jimboomba Football Club.
The trainees are working to move a 54 metre fence to allow space for an additional soccer field, relocating sheltered seating areas and refurbishing a toilet block in addition to a number of other projects over the next 20 weeks.
Mr Shaw impressed his supervisors and peers when he delivered an inspiring speech to the team he would not have been capable of at the beginning of the program.
He has expressed interest in taking up a painting course or seeking work with industries which require heavy lifting, teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Mr Shaw said he was enjoying the responsibility of working in a team to create positive outcomes in the local community.
"Before I came here I was awkward and shy and did not feel good but since then I have enjoyed working with others," he said.
"Group activities have helped build my confidence - one of them was public speaking."
The $420 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work program is designed to provide skills to youth to help them enter and remain in the workforce.
It has a return of investment of $8.52 per $1 spent.
Site supervisor Steven Flaws said all trainees would receive a Certificate I in Construction qualification when the program finished.
"We have a number of trainees who started with a lack of confidence to now saying they could enter the job market now and confidently feel like they would get a job after learning what they have five weeks in," he said.
"We are only a quarter of the way in and people feel this is the boost they needed."
Trainees are paid a salary under the program.