A partnership between Western College and Dubbo Community Men’s Shed is helping to make the jobless more attractive to potential employers.
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Seven adult students from Western College have been working with the Men’s Shed, helping them out with woodwork projects and furthering their own skills.
Aged between 22 and 50 years-old, the students have been extremely eager and have even signed up as members of the shed.
Western College training and compliance manager Rhonda Picton said the union really is a ‘win-win situation’.
“It’s very important for our students to have a practical component to go with the theory they learn at the college. This group is coming to the end of their course and they have basically been a pilot group for us, paving the way for others to follow,” Ms Picton said.
“We are extremely happy with the results we have seen and we will definitely continue this.
“There is a lot of scope here at the shed, as well as woodwork, the men do metal work, mechanical repairs and electrical work with the computers.”
Men’s Shed member Phil Knight said the organisation is delighted to be helping give people a chance to get back into the workforce.
“We are very happy to be involved because one of the goals of the shed is to really reinforce the community in our name. We have the ability to help here and make a difference.
“The students have all signed up to be members of the shed, which is a sign of just how much they have enjoyed it and they will keep coming back after the course has finished.
“A couple of them have even signed on to help us run a barbecue on Monday.”
The association will continue with Western College’s next course, which focuses on resources and infrastructure, also working with the Men’s Shed.
“We appreciate the Men’s Shed allowing us to do this. Phil has been fantastic to deal with. Everything has to be up to scratch for Workplace Health and Safety and they have made sure that happened,” Ms Picton said.