Jacko looks to a brighter future after completing the Hit the Road Program

Quietly spoken Jackson (Jacko) Williams knows what it’s like to be out of work and what it can do for your self confidence.  

Having worked in various roles in warehousing and on boats, Jacko had been unemployed for over two years before taking part in an exciting new program BUSY At Work is delivering with Careers Australia Training.

The five week program called Hit the Road is part of the Queensland Government funded initiative, Skilling Queenslanders for Work Community Work Skills Program.

After undertaking the course Jacko has been able to land himself a regular casual job as a delivery driver with Peregrine Transport in Brisbane.

BUSY At Work Program Coordinator for Hit the Road, Robyn Donnelly said The Hit the Road Program was great way for job seekers who are aged between 15 and 24, and Indigenous and disadvantaged job seekers to improve their employability and work readiness skills.

“The program is designed to help job seekers gain a start in the transport and logistics industry.”

“Graduates from the program receive a Certificate II in Logistics as well as being provided with driving lessons from a qualified instructor to help them gain their Medium Rigid (MR) truck licence,” Mrs Donnelly said.   

Robyn said she was very pleased with the success of the program which is a mixture of classroom based training and hands-on activities such as picking and packing and loading and delivering of goods.

“It is always great to see participants grow and become more capable and independent. Through the program the participants have the opportunity to gain real practical skills with on the job placement as well being able to update their resumes and learn interviewing skills,” Mrs Donnelly added.

BUSY are delivering the one-on-one mentoring and life skill development presentations to ensure the participants are job ready while Careers Australia Training are delivering the accredited training part of the program.  

Robyn said Jacko had excelled throughout the program.

“Jacko was an excellent student and gained a lot of knowledge while doing the program. We were able to help him with his presentation skills and his resume and this helped improve his confidence greatly.”

“We are delighted that through the program Jacko has been able to secure regular casual work in the transport industry,” Mrs Donnelly said.

Jacko said he was very pleased to be able to complete his Certificate II in Logistics and was hopeful that a full time permanent role would come up in the near future.

“I am very grateful for the support I received from BUSY At Work. Robyn was always very positive and spent a lot of time helping me with my resume.  When I went for the interview I felt a lot more confident and was able to put my best foot forward,” Jacko said. 

Robyn said they were hoping to run a new Hit the Road Program early next year.

“We’ve been running the program since November last year and have had great success with nearly 100% of participants completing the program with most getting a start in the transport and logistics industry.” Mrs Donnelly said.

BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said BUSY was pleased to be helping young job seekers improve their employability skills and potentially gain a start in the transport and logistics industry.

“We know how important it is for young job seekers to take the first step to gaining employment. With the support of The Hit the Road program we can help young people overcome challenges and set them on a career pathway for the future,” Mr Miles said.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides skills development, training and job opportunities to unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.

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Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of certain individuals the names and identifying details have been changed.