The Work Shop delivers more than 800 jobs
With the Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital (SCPUH) having reached peak construction worker employment, the role of The Work Shop on the public hospital has been fulfilled for the construction phase with more than 800 former jobseekers now working on-site.
With the Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital (SCPUH) having reached peak construction worker employment, the role of The Work Shop on the public hospital has been fulfilled for the construction phase with more than 800 former jobseekers now working on-site.
The Work Shop was an on-site employment and skills hub providing access to opportunities for local jobseekers to work on the Queensland Government’s $1.8 billion SCPUH project.
Designed to play a vital role in providing opportunities for the Sunshine Coast community, The Work Shop ultimately added to the vibrancy of the Coast’s economy.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was very pleased that 807 people had been placed into construction-related jobs thanks to The Work Shop.
“With more than 80% of these jobseekers being Sunshine Coast locals, this has added $115 million in wages and salaries into the economy which can only boost local businesses and services,” Mayor Jamieson said.
As well as delivering a net economic benefit to the region, The Work Shop established unique partnerships to ensure that a positive legacy was left on the Sunshine Coast.
The Hornery Institute Chief Executive Officer Kate Meyrick attributed much of The Work Shop’s success to the courage and faith in the approach shown by the many collaborators and partners, including Sunshine Coast Council and Lendlease.
"The Hornery Institute, which has been responsible for the overall governance of The Work Shop, has been encouraged by how the partners have endorsed an approach that endeavoured to marry the labour and skill demands of a catalytic regional construction project with the heightened expectations of an eager and willing community,” she said.
Of the 807 people who found positions through The Work Shop, 19% were previously unemployed, while 13% were aged between 15 and 24 years. The Work Shop also secured 59 apprenticeships and traineeships.
General Manager for Lendlease’s Building business in Queensland and Northern Territory, Tony Orazio said The Work Shop was a pilot project which provided opportunities as part of the SCPUH Public Private Partnership’s local industry participation plan for the Sunshine Coast community.
“The Work Shop played a vital role in connecting the Sunshine Coast community with construction job opportunities at the hospital. Lendlease’s vision is to create the best places – both during construction by supporting local participation rates and training – and in the delivery of a contemporary health facility for the community,” he said.
The Work Shop website, myworkshop.net.au, will remain live in a reduced format until August 2016.