Another milestone was reached this week, with the second Productivity Bootcamp class from Campbelltown graduating this week.

Productivity Bootcamp is an intense eight week course designed to prepare young people for the building and construction industry. Although focused on developing work-ready industry skills in formwork, steel, concreting, carpentry and general ground work, the Bootcamp goes much further, arming students with a wide variety of lifestyle management skills such as personality aptitude, finance/budgeting, communication skills, health, nutrition and fitness.

The program was established by Paul Breen, Director of Productivity Force, who had become frustrated with the skills shortage in the industry and the difficulty for construction businesses to attract and maintain apprentices – with almost 50% of all apprentices dropping out by the second year.

Bootcamp helps address this issue, by allowing young people to begin the course without the need of first having to apply for an apprenticeship. Upon completing the eight week course, the graduates are more confident, more knowledgeable about the industry and more successful in gaining future employment.

Campbelltown City Council is looking forward to continuing to work with Productivity Bootcamp next year on creating further opportunities for local youth.

For further information on Campbelltown City, visit www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au