FIVE Logan residents are the first to trial an innovative pilot program which helps Indigenous men and women gain employment through painting.
Indigenous-owned business SupplyAus has launched their job-ready program, Paint for a Pathway, at the new Business Indigenous Precinct in Eight Mile Plains.
Thomas Coghill and Tiffany Hazard of Woodridge, Alexander Murray of Marsden, Tayler Rayner of Beenleigh and Michael Barney of Runcorn have stepped up to paint the building while being mentored by industry and training experts.
"The pilot program will team Indigenous candidates with registered training organisations to provide real-life work experience to empower them to secure jobs in the products and services industry," SupplyAus chief executive Adam Williams said.
He said SupplyAus was founded on a commitment to social investment and empowering Aboriginal people and families towards self-determination.
Mr Williams, a Wiradjuri man, said Paint for a Pathway would connect Indigenous people with work opportunities.
"Our candidates (met) a range of stakeholders who can both inspire and mentor them into work placement. We're very grateful to the partners who have come on board (including) registered training organisation Major Training Group, Aboriginal Employment Strategies and (the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships)," he said.
Fellow Indigenous business owner, Marcia Edwards, co-director of The Cryogenics Group, and community elder and advocate for holistic job readiness, Uncle Noel Summers were among the attendees at the launch last week.
"This program is the result of a community effort and our prominent partnerships are testament to this - we even have Haymes Paint donating paint supplies and equipment for our trainees," Mr Williams said.
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