Joint project ‘Growing Our Own’ is creating employment pathways for Torres Strait Islanders

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), in partnership with Tagai State College, Mypathway

and TAFE North Queensland, commenced the first in a series of projects to provide employment

pathways for school leavers.

The partners all have an interest in developing the skills and abilities of school leavers, and have

been working cooperatively with the students to develop an innovative training package.

Each of the partners in the programme are bringing to the table a range of skills and expertise to

assist the school leavers to identify their individual goals and a meaningful pathway to

employment.

The TSRA Chairperson, Mr Joseph Elu, said this is the first time year 12 students with an interest in

maritime related employment have been offered the opportunity to commence a Coxswain Course

that allows them to operate a commercial vessel up to 12 metres.

“Thirteen selected students were all undertaking the marine studies stream at Tagai Campus and

this training will round out their skills and remove a significant barrier to employment,” Mr Elu said.

“The students were given the opportunity to identify their areas of interest, these included fishing,

customs and the Navy.

“The maritime industry offers a variety of employment opportunities in the Torres Strait region,

including jobs in commercial fishing, tourism, ferry transport, pilotage and cargo transport.

“On completion of this round of training, the students will be moved into more specialised training

in the next step of their maritime career progression. Those interested in fishing will be offered wild

harvest dive training, and others interested in operating vessels will be trained in Marine

Engineering qualifications.”

Mr Elu said this year there will be an expression of interest for others who have already been

trained to join this group of students for a six month traineeship.

“The traineeships will allow the trainees to be paid a training wage, while being exposed to industry

based placements across a broad range of industries,” Mr Elu said.

At a recent fishing industry meeting organised by the partners, many of the large fishing operators

in the region pledged their support to the programme, this will provide the necessary industry 

exposure for the trainees to ensure they are given the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills and

confidence to be employed in the industry.