Robert Simpson-McLeod has put his best foot forward – along with a few dance moves of his own – to complete the Nowra Bridge Pre-Employment Program.

Backed by Fusion Training Solutions and construction firm Fulton Hogan, Robert joined 10 other graduates recently who earned a certificate through the $342 million Nowra Bridge project.

An avid dancer with an eye on the construction industry, the 22-year-old Nowra resident was impressive with his approach and determination to succeed.

“It was helpful to learn the skills and knowledge that comes with building,” he said.

“I enjoyed all things throughout the program. Thank you to Fusion.”

Robert is also a keen member of South Coast cultural dance group Djiriba Waagura, which means two crows.

The group describes itself with an ‘aim to revitalise and strengthen Aboriginal culture by providing captivating cultural experiences that inspire connectedness, empower local communities and foster both educational and personal growth’.

Robert said he enjoyed performing with the group throughout NSW.

“It’s something that I’m very proud of. It’s rewarding to perform with Djiriba Waagura,” he said.

“I hope to continue dancing and further my career in construction. The Pre-Employment Program with Fusion is a great start.”

An outstanding group of students has built the foundation towards a future career after completing a landscaping course under the direction of trainer Russell Abbot (pictured).

The seven students finished the rewarding course in late August, earning a Certificate II in Landscaping. They also earned the praise of their trainer.

“It was a positive journey for all those involved. They learned a lot,” Russell said.

“They took to the course like a duck to water. They were outstanding.”

The 16-week course included the laying of pavers, planting of trees and shrubs, and operating basic machinery and equipment.

A promising student, Maya (pictured), encouraged others to undertake a landscaping course.

“It’s was an enjoyable and rewarding learning experience for everyone,” she said.

The students undertook theory work in the warehouse of Fusion’s Wollongong premises, which enhanced their knowledge with hands-on work on the outside grounds.

The landscaping qualification provides pathways towards landscaping and labouring occupations, and apprenticeships. It is an ideal entry level qualification for early school leavers to gain a fundamental knowledge for an outdoor working environment.

For more information log onto www.fusiontrainingsolutions.com.au or phone 1300 643 484.

Thomas Green, 23, can thank Fusion for steering him in the right direction and helping to secure employment with K&S Corporation Limited.

A delighted Mr Green received the green light as a causal driver after earning his HR licence and completing a Certificate II in Driving Operations.

Recently employed, the enthusiastic driver is often relied upon to work a 12-hour shift. And it’s a role which he is relishing.

“I’d never thought I’d do something like this, but with a bit of encouragement from Fusion I’m enjoying my job and getting used to the hours and roster,” he said.

Mr Green has previously spent five years working for a local frame and truss company, but wanted a new challenge.

That’s when Fusion stepped in.

“I recommend the course. It is Government-funded and when I heard about it I jumped at the chance,” Mr Green said.

“There are more opportunities to do work at K&S and this includes doing some trips interstate. I’m enjoying the work.”

 

With a few tools in one hand and an abundance of passion in the other, Tye Smith is carving out a career in bridge construction with the assistance of Fusion Training Solutions.

Under blue skies trainer, Mick Mather recently visited Tye on-site recently which resembled more of an archaeological dig rather than fixing a historic bridge that was in desperate need of repair in the Snowy-Monaro region.

Mick said his student was excelling in his role and praised the hard work of those involved, including the ongoing role of Fusion Training Solutions.

“Today I was up in the high country for the Snowy Monaro Council with Certificate III bridge construction trainee Tye,” he said.

“Today was about formwork and concrete structure inspection. This was a 70-year-old bridge with rotten girders and had a 10cm drop to one side and was failing fast, so a temporary bridge is being in place and will take two months to complete.”

Currently, the bridge has old wooden supports, which in time will finish with a steel structure thanks to the hard work of Tye and his workers.

Six adventurous women have embarked on a journey in Civil Construction with Fusion.

The exceptional women have added a breath of fresh air to the male-dominated trades’ industry, and are hoping to complete their course with flying colours.

Located in the Batemans Bay area, the energetic women have big plans to succeed under the instruction of trainer Mick Mather.

“These are six wonderful ladies, working hard to get into civil construction,” Mick said.

“It’s great to see women taking an interest in the trade industry.

“I’m seeing more women signing up for courses, and the Batemans Bay area is a great place to forge a career.”

Fusion Training Solutions often runs Civil Construction courses. For more information phone 4228 3588.

 

Enduring adversity and turning it into a positive life experience is a key strength behind the success of professional trainer Maison Acton.

Each day Maison shares his experiences and knowledge towards assisting

students to excel in their chosen path and to further their chances of employment.

His devotion, training, and exceptional advice has rewarded countless students.

However, seven years ago the energetic 25-year-old saw his career choices differently.

A horrific and untimely car accident resulted in a change of lifestyle.

Instead of being behind the tools as the ultimate on-the-job professional, Maison opted to teach his valuable life lessons and become a trainer with Fusion.

“The way I became involved in the training sector was due to an extensive injury to my hand. This was just as I was making myself available in the industry,” he said.

“At the time I attended a career and job exhibition, having just finished a part-qualification in hospitality.

“It was here where I was asked to speak about my story and was offered a job with Fusion. I have been here ever since.”

Despite the unfortunate injury, Maison has grasped his chance at Fusion with

both hands.

“Before I started working as a trainer I was an apprentice plumber, which due to my injury I had to cancel, unfortunately,” he said.

“Prior to this, I’ve had quite a range of jobs from concreting, fencing, water-proofing, carpentry, and a variety of laboring jobs.

“The most enjoying part of working with Fusion is that it allows me the opportunity to connect with people from all different backgrounds, and I can help them progress and create their future choices and employment opportunities.”

A keen motorbike rider with a passion for 4×4 driving, Maison spends much of his spare time fishing and spearfishing.

“I have a little saying I live by, that is ‘make excuses or make changes ‘ – and that’s the same thing I tell all my students.,” he said.

“Anyone can make an excuse why they can’t do something, but everyone can also make the change to be able to do it.”

When Fusion visited Vanessa and her fellow students earlier in 2019, the signs were already there that she would go on to achieve great things.

Under the expert instruction of trainer Mick Mather, Vanessa has gone above and beyond and earned employment with John Holland.

Vanessa is a respected elder of the community and loves the Batemans Bay region.

This is what she had to say upon a visit earlier this year:  “I have been involved in local indigenous community groups for many years. I want to be here in this area and I am keen to learn,” she said.

“Some of my brothers and cousins are traffic controllers and they say good things about it. That’s what I would like to do too.”

Since this visit, Vanessa has appeared in an About Regional news article. Here is here story:

At the tender age of 44, Vanessa Parsons has landed her first job and it’s with an international civil construction company no less – John Holland.

Vanessa is part of the new team building the $274 million Batemans Bay Bridge over the Clyde River.

“It changed my life,” Vanessa says.

She starts her day by ‘tapping on’ at the works depot and meeting her manager, Allison Hicks. “Vanessa is a one-of-a-kind person who quickly became an important part of the John Holland family,” Allison says.

“We love having Vanessa on our team, she plays a significant role in our 14 per cent Aboriginal recruitment on the Bay Bridge.”

Vanessa is a woman of the Yuin Nation along with her artist cousin Eileen Carberry who currently lives off-grid in the bush near Moruya – where she is deeply inspired by her connection with the land.

“All our Walbunga mob are here today,” says Eileen.

Minister for Transport and Roads and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance praised the company for its commitment to recognising and respecting Australia’s indigenous community.

“Contractors John Holland have introduced job-sharing, to help workers achieve better work-life balance and to support a more inclusive and diverse workforce,” he said.

“On Friday (July 12) the project team will also recognise NAIDOC week with a lunch, artwork and story-telling session with project staff, including Indigenous trainees, a local Elder and the Local Aboriginal Land Council.”

Katungul support worker Sue Towny works with Vanessa every Monday and says every week is different. “We meet at the coffee truck for breakfast, head to the library to read then do whatever Vanessa needs or wants.”

“I was so happy on the night before my first shift,” Vanessa says.

“I love meeting people, talking to people.

“My brother and dad love driving past when I’m on the road works and stirring me up. My youngest brother Terry walks past and says –  hey sis. I like it, it makes me feel good.”

Vanessa’s current role is cleaner for the depot, “I do every office,” Vanessa proudly boasts.

With Vanessa’s new taste for career life, she’ll never look back, “It gets me out of the home, away from video games. I’m never going back to no job.”

Support worker Sue Towny cares deeply for Vanessa and wants to see her flourish. “She’s very well respected at John Holland and we talk a lot about planning for her future now that she has a stable income.”

Gushingly, Vanessa interrupts and tells me the people at work always tell her how beautiful her smile is.

“One fella I stir up all the time by going to the steel bars on the windows, shaking them and saying – let me in let me in, he just laughs and laughs. I always get a big grin on ’em,” Vanessa boasts.

Since committing $55.7 million to the Closing the Gap employment program, the Australian Government has been working closely with local support services to strengthen its partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and stakeholders to solve the employment challenges facing Indigenous Australians.

So far the target to Close the Gap in employment is not on track which is why companies like John Holland are being celebrated for their success in recruiting and retaining Aboriginals in the Eurobodalla.

 

 

Fusion trainer Mick Mather recently completed a mammoth 2000km road trip across western NSW and the Far South Coast, with an emphasis on assisting those undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship.

With one eye on the road and the other focused on assisting students, Mick devoted his time to overseeing each student’s pathway and success, resulting in positive outcomes.

“It was a worthwhile trip and I saw many students performing very well,” he said.

“We have many great people signing-up with Fusion and a commitment to completing a course is often rewarded with employment outcomes.

“It was also good to see the countryside flourishing after a dry first half to the year.”

Upon his travels, Mick ventured to Hillston and Carathool to assist Horticulture and Civil trainees.

He then ventured past the mountains of Kosciuoszko and headed further south to picturesque Eden, where he visited Fusion’s Construction and Civil trainees.

Mick has always been a big advocate for nurturing a student’s progress and ensuring they have the best opportunity to finish a course and succeed beyond, often resulting in outstanding employment opportunities.

 

One of Fusion’s most successful courses in 2019 has been its two-day Medium Rigid Skill Set course.

Funded by Smart & Skilled, the course has been running on a regular basis and is attracting plenty of interest at Fusion’s Montague St warehouse site.

Fusion’s Business Development manager Scott Michell said the course was for those engaged in driving operation job roles within the Transport and Logistics industry.

“It’s been our biggest, ongoing and successful course so far this year,” he said.

“The classroom work involves three units and each student is able to gain their logbook (RMS). There is also a driving assessment performed.”

Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include courier driver, express driver, pickup and delivery driver, priority driver, taxi truck driver, taxi driver and tow truck driver.