A small group of students has taken a big step towards careers in the construction industry thanks to Meli’s Northern Futures program.
The Pathways to Building and Construction course, delivered in partnership with The Gordon, equipped students with the skills needed to start work in the construction industry and pursue a trade apprenticeship.
Five students were joined by family and friends on Thursday 4 June as they celebrated graduating from the program. A sixth student completed the course but was absent due to work commitments.
With the support of individual mentoring provided by Northern Futures Work and Learning Advisors, students completed various training units during the course, which count towards apprenticeship study at Certificate III level. They also attended several site visits – including to the Nyaal Banyul Convention and Event Centre under construction on Geelong’s waterfront – where students met with industry partners and experienced different trade workplaces.
Speaking at the graduation, training mentor Amy Harris said the students should be proud of their achievement.
“Today we celebrate the completion of the program, but more importantly, we celebrate the beginning of something much greater: your journey into a future you’ve worked hard to shape with your own hands,” she said.
“You’ve shown that with the right support, the right mindset, and a community that believes in you, anything is possible.
“We have walked beside you, but it is you who showed up, put in the work and earned this achievement.”
One of the graduates, Aiden, said the program had boosted his self-belief.
“I was nervous on my first day because I didn’t know anybody and wasn’t sure what to expect from it, but I’m much more confident now after finishing the program,” he said.
“The course has been helpful and will hopefully help me in becoming a cabinetmaker and getting a job in the future.”
Founded in 2007, Northern Futures addresses disadvantage in Geelong’s northern suburbs by offering tailored education and employment opportunities in collaboration with local industries, government and community organisations.
The grassroots program joined Meli last year.
Northern Futures Program Manager Andrew Palmer said its aim was to build employability skills and industry awareness.
He noted Norlane had the highest unemployment rate in the state, while Corio was also high up the list.
“It’s so important we work together to reduce barriers to employment,” he said.
Photo: Graduate Aiden, centre, with Northern Futures Program Manager Andrew Palmer and The Gordon’s Jason Gould
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