First Liberty Bell Bay workers begin construction training this week

More than 20 workers from Liberty Bell Bay have begun training for careers in commercial and residential construction, as Master Builders Tasmania's FORGE AHEAD program gets its first participants onto the tools.

Delivered with High Risk Work Solutions and the support of the Tasmanian Government, the program gives former Liberty workers the nationally recognised credentials they need to step onto a construction site, and connects them directly to Master Builders member firms who are hiring now.

Since Thursday, workers have been completing their White Card and First Aid, the essential tickets that allow them to start on site straight away.

Minister for Skills and Jobs, Felix Ellis, welcomed the strong uptake from Liberty Bell Bay workers.

“Team Tasmania has wrapped its arms around our Liberty Bell Bay workers during this challenging situation," Minister Ellis said.

"Businesses right around Tasmania recognise that Liberty Bell Bay workers are some of the most skilled and safety-focused people in our State, and they're crying out to hire them.

“By partnering with Master Builders Tasmania to deliver the FORGE AHEAD program, we're ensuring these highly valued workers can turn this challenging situation into an opportunity for a bright future in the construction industry."

Master Builders Tasmania Chief Executive Officer Jenna Cairney said the speed of the response mattered and praised government for responding with support to the program so rapidly.

“These workers told us they wanted to get moving, and so did we. Getting more than 20 of them ticketed this week says everything about this cohort. They are ready, and our members are ready to hire them," Ms Cairney said.

“These workers already know how to work hard and work safely. That is the part you cannot teach quickly. What they have not had is the construction tickets that open the gate to a site, and that is exactly what we are providing.”

"The workers completing their White Card and First Aid this week will go on to further construction credentials over the coming weeks, tailored to the roles they are moving into.

"Because Master Builders is the peak body for the industry, graduates are connected straight to builders and contractors who are hiring.

“Train with us and get a job. There is work in this industry, and these are exactly the people we need to do it.”

Ms Cairney said MBT was also in discussion with James Boags which is interested in supporting its displaced workers into industry training.

Liberty Bell Bay workers interested in FORGE AHEAD can contact Master Builders Tasmania on 03 6210 2000 or max@mbatas.org.au. Participants need long work pants and steel cap boots.