Bathurst local, Joshua Forde has kicked off his dream career after being placed into a Cabinet Maker Apprenticeship during Skillset’s annual SkillForce500 jobs campaign.
Joshua Forde is one of the placed candidates who has celebrated the success of securing a full time apprenticeship with local business and Skillset Host Employer, Timeless Kitchens as a Cabinet Maker. Josh entered the SkillForce through Skillset’s Youth Connect program where his consultant was able to place him into a labour hire role which eventuated in him being offered a full-time apprenticeship.
“I am really grateful to Skillset and for being a part of the SkillForce500 campaign this year. I started off in their Youth Connect program where I was helped by a consultant into temporary work. One of the hardest things is to get a start but Skillset helped me get my foot in the door where I was able to prove my ability and keen interest in the cabinet making trade. I now have an apprenticeship with Timeless Kitchens and I can’t wait to see where my career will take me, “said Mr. Forde.
Josh is only one success story out of 801 people who were engaged or placed into training, education or jobs during Skillset’s annual SkillForce500 campaign. With a target of 500 people in their most recent campaign, Skillset were able to far exceed the target.
The campaign commenced on 1 October 2021 and ended 31 March 2022. During the six-month campaign, Bathurst saw 330 of 801 individuals engaged, with 14 per cent of engagements being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Top industries covered through employment and training included manufacturing, mining, construction and local government.
“We are so proud to have achieved this record number and Josh Forde is an amazing example of a young person being motivated to strive to be employed in an industry they are passionate about. Each individual has been supported by one of our career programs or placed into employment. Exceeding our target this year is underpinned by the record low unemployment rate of 2.4 percent in the Central West which shows that people are going back to the market and skilling themselves more than ever,” said Skillset General Manager, Jane McWilliam.
People looking for career support are encouraged to contact Skillset by calling 1300 853 525 or visiting www.skillset.com.au as there are services available to assist at every point of an individual’s career.
