Ken O’Dowd MP - Speech for Conservation Volunteers Australia graduation function
18-July-2011
Federal Member for Flynn, Ken O’Dowd
Speech for Conservation Volunteers Australia graduation function
July 18 2011
It gives me great pleasure to be here this morning to congratulate all those who have completed or are soon to complete their 26 weeks training program conducted by Conservation Volunteers Australia under the National Green Jobs Corps “Care from Creek to Coast” project.
These 20 young Australians will be presented with their Certificate Two in Conservation and Land Management, First Aid, OH&S and Personal Development after an exciting six-months experience with the National Green Jobs Corps.
During this time, they have worked on weed removal, plant identification, replanting trees and shrubs as well as marine debris surveys here at Canoe Point, Tannum Sands.
Locals and visitors from throughout the Gladstone region as well as numerous tourists, appreciate this beautiful spot.
They will reap the benefits of the hard work you have put in, which has also included weed mapping, combating soil erosion and maintenance of the extensive bush walking trails through the preserved native coastal scrub remnants.
While completing the program, participants also had the opportunity to develop job skills, team work and communication. They contributed to developing co-operative partnerships between community groups and government organisations.
I commend this scheme as a great opportunity for young people to improve their employment prospects through practical work experience and accredited training.
The National Green Jobs Corps is an Australian Government work experience and training program which offers a combination of environmental work experience, skill development and accredited training for young people aged 17 to 24.
The program will equip an estimated 10,000 young Australians with the skills to fill employment opportunities in emerging environment-related industries.
As the majority of National Green Jobs Corps projects are team-based activities developed in conjunction with local communities and groups, participants obtain a diverse range of skills and valuable experiences. This includes opportunities to develop teamwork and leadership skills in a supportive environment.
National Green Jobs Corps participants will:
- be actively involved in a 26 week project, for an average of 25 hours per week
- have regular contact with potential employers from a variety of organisations, including the emerging green industries.
They will also gain improved career and employment prospects through practical work experience, and accredited training including Occupational Health & Safety; proven work ethic; They will receive up to 30 hours of Work Preparation to help improve their employment prospects as well as gaining personal development, team work and leadership skills.
They will acquire further skills through structured training and take part in conservation activities to protect and rejuvenate Australia’s natural environment.
To participate in National Green Jobs Corps, you must be an Australian citizen or resident aged between 17 and 24.
There are over 400 positions available in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT and Tasmania.