Downer and Hyne Timber have come together to collaborate on a Fraser Coast Skills Program (FCSP) to help develop training needs that enable and enhance manufacturing opportunities and capabilities across the Fraser Coast.

As two of the largest employers in the private industry across the region who collectively represent nearly 300 years in manufacturing, they understand the importance of a skilled labour force in the Fraser Coast. As business looks forward to Industry 4.0, as well as key investment projects from the State Government, the FCSP will help to keep skilled jobs and workers in the region.

The partners have come together with input from government and higher education providers, with the goal of implementing programs to develop thought leadership, intellectual capability and the skilled workforce necessary to establish a sustainable FCSP. The FCSP will also work with other employers, as well as education provides in the region to ensure success.

The partners were well represented at the Fraser Coast Industry & Careers Showcase on Wednesday 12 October to officially launch the skills program and help keep skilled jobs on the Fraser Coast.

The showcase is the only one of its kind in the region, with the inaugural event expected to attract more than 1,500 participants to gain hands-on experiences and access to industry experts, giving jobseekers real-world insights into what certain roles and sectors are really like to work in.

The event is a vital opportunity for students and jobseekers to get on a local career path, making it a fitting place from which to launch the Fraser Coast Skills Program.

Quotes to be attributed

Downer:“Downer has invested in the development of our 150-year-old Maryborough facility as well as the capability of our workforce to deliver world-class trains for the people of Queensland. Through the Fraser Coast Skills Program, we are proud to build a trusted relationship between two the region’s largest employers which enables a successful future for manufacturing in the Fraser Coast.” Tony Prove, General Manager Operations Queensland.

Hyne Timber:“Hyne Timber has proudly called Maryborough home since 1882, innovating and growing with a talented and passionate team along the way. If you want something making well, look no further than Maryborough. We supply across Australia and beyond and that is something all our team know they are a part of such as building family homes for the future. The Fraser Coast Skills Program (FCSP) is an important collaboration, particularly targeting those who already love and call this region home. With the right partnerships and programs, some of the most rewarding careers are right here.” James Hyne, Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Fraser Coast Regional Jobs Committee:“We’re thrilled at this announcement of the collaboration among some of our region’s major employers. We know we need to develop the skills base of our workers and provide robust local career paths – this helps our employers develop and maintain a stable workforce and it enables young people and families to nurture a solid future without having to leave their own region. We also know these companies have plenty in common in terms of some of the skills and qualities they’re looking for in their employees. A joint skills program like this enables them to share training costs and all benefit from growing local talent, while still being able to nurture the specific skills that make each company unique. It has the potential to give a significant boost to the Fraser Coast workforce and local economy over time.” Michelle Hay, Chair

Downer is the largest provider of urban services in Australia and New Zealand. We employ 33,000 people and partner with all levels of government to help them service and manage their critical infrastructure and provide their services to the general public.

In Queensland we employ 8,000 across transport services, rail, utilities, technology and communication services, engineering, construction and maintenance. Here on the Fraser Coast, our Maryborough facility has been a lynchpin in manufacturing for over 150 years.

Hyne Timber is one of Australia’s largest producers of sawn timber products, a leader in preservative treatments and an iconic supplier to the Australian construction industry. We also implement standards throughout our business that underpin our commitment to product quality, service, safety and sustainable timber production.

In Maryborough, Hyne Timber operates a large Saw Mill in the Tuan forest, an office on Kent Street and two Glue Laminated Timber manufacturing plants in the Maryborough West industrial estate.