Marist 180 have been chosen in the top 5 for the Metropolitan Community Training Initiative of the Year for their wonderful work in ‘Building the Commons.’
A highly regarded not-for-profit training organisation, Marist 180 have been partnering with Samford Commons to conduct construction training under funding from the State Government Skilling Queensland program. Marist 180, led on site by dynamic training organiser Megan Smith-Roberts, have delivered programs also on Millen Farm as part of the whole development of the Commons precinct. There has been a total of 90 trainees graduated with an amazing 83% success rate in job placement.
Face-to-face training by expert local construction professional Sam Bailye has enabled this partnership to further develop our community infrastructure and to assist local community members to access local training and jobs and our local builders with quality, well trained people to take up positions in the construction industry.
Together we have successfully rebuilt a number of areas on site and been able to produce required community space for amazing local activities, such as the Makers Festival held on site in 2017. This event was a great success and allowed local producers and ‘makers’ to showcase their skills at the all day festival and utilise the amazing spaces built by trainees of Building the Commons, including seating, BBQ area’s and our new portable stage.
It is very exciting for local community members and employers to see a vibrant change to our community space and seeing the young people of this area being able to access local employment through the traineeship and then go onto employment with local construction industry employers.
Our two organisations have developed a strong relationship and build upon each others’ networks to achieve the desired outcomes of Marist 180’s clients and Samford Commons goal of having a world class community space for innovation. Congratulations to Marist 180 and we wish them well in their quest for the top gong at the Training Awards.
Funding from the State Government through Skilling for Queensland and the Community Benefit Fund has enabled these projects to be delivered and we thank local MP Nikki Boyd for her continuing strong support. Thanks also to Cr Darren Grimwade and Council officers for supporting the development of the site and the partnership with Marist 180.
If you would like to find out more or help with any activity at Samford Commons please contact us.
The Samford Commons Team.
Note: Community and member meetings are on the 4th Wednesday of each month, 6.30pm for newcomers induction and 7pm for the meeting. Next meeting is on 23 May. All are very welcome.
