108 Bargara Rd
Bundaberg East, Qld, 4670
Heath Tisdell did everything right when he decided to pursue a career in land care: he decided on his direction and signed up with IMPACT Community Services to get the best training possible.
Heath is doing a Certificate I in Conservation and Land Management at IMPACT, which is delivered through the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
Heath and his colleagues have been involved in a number of projects that create, repair and upgrade public spaces and facilities, including working on river and foreshore restorations.
Rob Alder is IMPACT’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work supervisor.
The team, which is nearing the end of the 22- week course, is currently working at Elliott Heads, doing whipper-snipping, weeding, planting, and spraying. They've also done work at Baldwin Swamp and Steptoe Street.
But with just three weeks to go, Heath has been presented with a wonderful opportunity having landed himself a job as a direct result of participating in the course.
At the Steptoe Street project a local business operator had dropped off some mulch for the rejuvenation work they were doing, and was talking to team leader Rob about how difficult it was to get workers for his business.
“Rob told him that he had many willing hands and I was a prime candidate,” Heath said.
“I had experience in the tree-lopping field before, working 12 months in Brisbane.
“So he hired me on the spot.”
Heath started work on Thursday with his new employer.
He loves the work he's been doing on the course and is stoked to get work in the same field.
IMPACT’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work Coordinator Matthew Tribodo said as Heath had completed the course's training component he would walk away with his full qualification.
Mr Tribodo said a large percentage of course graduates ended in employment.
“All our trainees work really hard,” Mr Tribodo said.
“For Heath it was definitely a case of being in the right place at the right time.
“That's what it's all about.
“It’s the best possible outcome for Heath.”
If you are interested in land care and would like to learn more about the next course, call 4153 4233 or check out www.impact.org.au/works-skills-traineeships
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