Carpentry Training Program For Refugees
Who is it for?
People who are on a humanitarian or refugee visa in Metro, North Eastern and Western Melbourne. We support people with low level english skills to be able to participate in the program. You do not have to have previous experience as a carpenter. Thne program welcomes women and provides tailored training, support and opportunities to help you get skilled up and work in male-dominated trade industries.
How does it work?
The program runs in 2 parts: 1-2 days a week for 12 weeks at our warehouse and 14 weeks at another training provider. It is a mix of work experience, accredited training and wrap-around support. It can also be tailored to the individual to account for other commitments such as work and child care.
CERES Fair Wood has connections with employers in the building & construction industry who are seeking workers and our aim is to get you into a job or trade in the building and construction industry.
Where?
CERES Fair Wood is based in Preston and operates four timber social enterprises:
- a retail timber warehouse
- a sustainable carpentry service
- a timber cabinetry and fabrication service
- an urban saw-milling and arborist service
The Program
Part One - 12 weeks
- You come to CERES Fair Wood for an interview and an English and Maths Assessment
- If you qualify for the program we give you a safety induction and an introduction to the people at CERES Fair Wood and the things we do
- Then we arrange onsite work experience at the Fair Wood retail warehouse, with our Carpentry Service and the ReBoxCo cabinetry team 1-2 days a week for 12 weeks.
- Pre-apprenticeship course 14-16 week Certificate II in Building Construction (carpentry) at TAFE 4-5 days a week or, if suitable, straight into an apprenticeship. Determined on a case by case basis.
- On your days off CERES provides workplace English lessons and practical work experience to help you understand and practise what you are learning.
When you graduate we want you to be able to walk onto a building site and know how to use the tools. We also want you to understand building and construction language and workplace culture.
Part Two - Finding a job or an apprenticeship
- Placement and work experience.
- Extra licenses - forklift, heavy rigid, White Card.
- We will help you to either find work with employers or at CERES.
- Talks from past employees and employees from other social enterprises.
- Participants are connected with a network of mainstream employers - including timber customers of Fair Wood such as builders, carpenters, hard landscapers, cabinet-makers and furniture makers.
- A video resume that shows off your skills.
How do I sign up?
Click the link below and fill out the form to find out if you're eligible.
How do I get in contact?
Email enquiries to:
Otherwise, call our helpful team on 0393 890 195 and we can direct you to the right source.