Gladstone’s ‘strong’ job boom a result of covid

“We’re getting ready for the next boom to come through and we’re preparing job seekers for training for when those jobs come up.”

Community Solutions workforce consultant Treinna Finlay and Community Solutions business leader Katie Peatey

Gladstone job seekers had the opportunity to connect with businesses on Tuesday to see what employment options were available to them.

More than 30 businesses had stalls at the community employment day, which was hosted by Community Solutions.

Community Solutions workforce consultant Treinna Finlay said the employment day was about preparing job seekers for the next Gladstone boom and helping those realise what employment options were available.

Residents at the first Community Solutions Gladstone employment day

“Gladstone is a boom and bust, we’ve always up and down and it has been forever and a day,” Ms Finlay said.

“We’re getting ready for the next boom to come through and we’re preparing job seekers for training for when those jobs come up.”

Ms Finlay said Gladstone was currently experiencing a strong jobs boom due to the pandemic.

Residents at the first Community Solutions Gladstone employment day

“Covid has done some good for Gladstone because during the pandemic we didn't have as many lockdowns and so our employers had been able to function through it,” she said.

“After that, all this upskilling people had done during down time has meant they've been able to get into new jobs so the jobs that were there we’ve experienced a lot of locals had been able to get those jobs.”

Job seeker Joe Harrison said the day was a good opportunity to learn what options were available in the community especially for those with different backgrounds.

Community Solutions workforce consultant Treinna Finlay and Community Solutions business leader Katie Peatey

Mr Harrison moved to Gladstone four months ago after he struggled to find work in Brisbane.

“The main problems for me being unable to get a job were being unskilled, not knowing how to apply for vacancies and I’m on parole,” Mr Harrison said.

Job seeker Joe Harrison

“It makes it much more difficult as people take one look at you and say ‘no thank you’.

“Today has allowed me to speak with different employers outside of formal applications.”

Mr Harrison had been able to secure a PaTH internship with Gladstone business, Contract Resources through Community Solutions.
“I would never have met the Contact Resources team or secured this internship unless I went to Community Solutions’ ‘Community Employment Day’.”