Graduates move into secure employment

Gary Hooper has downed tools and is on the path to a new career in the security business. He graduated with 11 others.

The 20-year-old was looking for a change of career from the construction industry when he discovered the training program that would see him qualified to work in the security, hospitality and transport and logistics sector.

"I saw this as a stepping stone to different career options, I'd been labouring and renovating houses and this has opened up a whole lot of doors," he said.

"The course has been surprising in some ways, learning about all the different legislations covering detaining people and the Liquor Act."

"It has also been practical and we have learnt many tactics that will assist us in future employment."

Gary was part of a dozen people ranging from 20 to mid-50s who started a training course through Australian Training and Safety Institute in early August. All successful graduates will be offered permanent employment.

The Australian Training and Safety Institute is a not-for-profit Register Training Organisation specialising in service delivery of specific industry training programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Australian Training and Safety Institute has partnered with P & J Industrial Solutions and Indigenous Employment Queensland, based in Toowoomba, for the delivery of the training programs which is being funded by the Training Initiative for Indigenous Adults from Regional Communities.

"We have been doing Indigenous security courses for a year now and have a good understanding of how to deliver successful training and then help people move into jobs that will benefit the community," Aaron Daley, a trainer from P&J Industrial Solutions said.

Each participant has seen their employment opportunities widened, with participants receiving tickets and accreditation in security, crowd control, first aid, construction white cards, traffic control and responsible service of alcohol.

"Toowoomba has a large aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and it is important to have representative in all areas of the workforce – this assists the community and builds pride," Mr Daley said.

There is no age limit for the course and there is one woman enrolled in the next course starting on September 21; and Australian training and Safety Institute is already taking bookings for the program due to start in November.

The graduation ceremony will be held this Friday at Family Mercy Services at 104 South Street from 10am.