Everything Suarve’s (Esuarve) Big Brother program is funded by Workforce Australia Local Jobs and provides intensive pre−employment support to improve the work readiness and critical skills of young individuals for local jobs in construction.
The 10-week program is a Local Recovery Fund activity that targets Indigenous, disadvantaged and disengaged youth. It focuses on mental health and wellbeing, life skills, education and pathways to employment so participants can improve their quality of life and contribute to society. Of the 33 participants who completed the program, 30 were offered full time local construction jobs with partnering employers.
Through the course of the program, participants:
- Receive tailored support for individual needs
- Complete a Certificate 1 in Construction
- Can obtain White Card and First Aid certificates
- Are supported through the job interview process, medicals and tests, and also have access to personal protective equipment
- Are offered training for meal preparation and cooking, guided meditation and breathing exercises as well as community service activities
- Benefit from an after-hours and weekend support service.
Program participant Ellis had been with his employment service provider for 4 years when he was referred to The Big Brother Program. Ellis had been struggling with mental health issues and was seeking skills and support to turn his life around.
With a strong focus on mental health and wellbeing, Ellis committed to the 10-week program, encouraging other participants to also make positive life choices.
Ellis doing meditation and Ellis with his family and other program participants.
Ellis embraced the program’s learnings and received the Pono Wairua award for the student who stood out the most during the program. Program Mentors continue to watch Ellis grow personally and professionally as he works towards completing his Boiler Maker Apprenticeship.
Reece also graduated from the Big Brother program. Having struggled to find work Reece decided to embrace the opportunity and try the program. Grateful for the support and positive environment, Reece gained new skills and a positive outlook that led to a full-time job building tiny homes.
More information:
- Reach out to Gold Coast Employment Facilitator Jodi Brackenbury
- Find out more about the Local Recovery Fund
- Learn more about Workforce Australia Local Jobs.