SPARK Training and Employment Initiative
SPARK is our unique training and employment initiative that was born out of our commitment to improving the education, social, and economic outcomes of residents within the Capital Region. Since its inception in 2016, SPARK has proudly delivered over 1,858 training places, 807 work experience placements and 934 job outcomes.
Now Enrolling - SPARK Construction Taster Youth Program
The SPARK Construction Taster Youth Program is an accredited training program focusing on skills development, work experience and an introduction to a variety of construction skills. This Program is delivered in partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology, The Umbrella Collective, UnitingCare Kippax and Capital Local Jobs Program.
Targeting young people aged 17 – 24 years old, in the Canberra region who are recent school leavers or not enrolled in high school/college, this SPARK program will include:
- Prepare to work safely in the construction industry – CPCWHS1001
- Prevent crystalline silica exposure – NAT10830001
- Identify and report asbestos containing materials – NAT11084001
- Apply WHS requirements, policies and procedures in the construction industry – CPCCWHS2001
- Carry out measurements and calculations – CPCCOM1015
- Undertake a basic construction project – CPCCVE1011
- Handle construction materials – CPCCCM2004.
Potential work experience placements and employment pathways opportunities will be on offer with SPARK partners for those individuals that successfully complete the program.
Information Session
WHEN: Tuesday 22 September 2026, 10:30am – 12pm
WHERE: Uniting Care Kippax, Corner of Luke St & Hardwick Crs, Holt, ACT
It is mandatory that all individuals seeking to be on the program attend this session.
Upcoming Programs
If you're interested in upcoming programs, please register your interest below.
Recent Programs
Construction Taster Program 2026
Congratulations to all those who completed the recent Construction Taster Program through SPARK – Ginninderry’s Training & Employment Initiative. In collaboration with the Canberra Institute of Technology, The Umbrella Collective, Capital Local Jobs Program and Uniting Care Kippax, this innovative accredited training program focused on skills development, work experience and an introduction to a variety of construction skills. The 7-week program was a combination of theory, practical hands-on learning and industry work placement.
Women in Construction Taster Program
Congratulations to our most recent SPARK participants who completed our Women in Construction Taster Program! In collaboration with the Canberra Institute of Technology, The Umbrella Collective, Uniting Care Kippax, Build Like A Girl, and Capital Local Jobs Program, this innovative accredited training program focused on skills development, work experience and an introduction to a variety of construction skills. This seven week program was a combination of theory, practical hands-on learning and industry work placement, along with mentoring and potential employment pathway opportunities.
Construction Taster Program for Migrants and Refugees
This program has wrapped up, giving participants hands-on skills, accredited training, industry experience, and a supportive pathway into Canberra’s construction sector.
From learning essential WHS practices to trying their hand at real projects, participants built skills, confidence, and connections that will help open new doors to future employment. A huge thank you to our program partners – CIT, Neoen, The Umbrella Collective, UnitingCare Kippax, Multicultural Hub Canberra, and the Capital Local Jobs Program – for making this possible.
Early Childhood Education & Care
SPARK collaborated with a range of organisations to deliver an accredited training program focusing on skills development, work experience and employment within the Early Childhood Education and Care sector. The four month program provided participants with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, along with employment pathways.
Conservation & Ecosystem Management
SPARK collaborated with the Canberra Institute of Technology and the Ginninderry Conservation Trust, to deliver innovative accredited training focused on skills development and field experience within the Conservation and Ecosystem Management sector. The 9 week program introduced participants to career options and the range of vocational pathways including Australian Apprenticeships. Participants received a combination of theory, practical hands on learning, experience operating machinery, and live training within the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor.
Construction Taster Program
SPARK, in collaboration with the Canberra Institute of Technology, delivered a Fee-Free Construction pre-apprenticeship in construction, which ran for three days a week and included hands-on learning, theory, and industry experience. Participants gained key skills and certifications in construction safety, silica and asbestos awareness, and basic construction techniques, along with valuable real-world experience and potential employment opportunities through SPARK’s industry partners.
Renewables Pre-employment Program for Migrants and Refugees
Participants on this program received accredited training related to the construction sector as well as non-accredited training in Australian Workplace Culture, Conversational English, and Bullying and Harassment Prevention. Personal and Protective Equipment (PPE) was also provided for each participant, who also attended industry site tours and heard from guest speakers as part of the program.
Work Experience & Employment
Social inclusion clauses are written into key Ginninderry procurement contracts for capital works. These clauses oblige contractors to provide work experience and/or new paid employment positions for residents in the local area; in addition to the contractor’s existing workforces.
Engagement, Training and Employment Programs
We partner with a wide variety of registered training organisations, stakeholders and employers to deliver programs aimed at key disadvantaged groups (youth, aboriginal, mature aged, long term unemployed and culturally and linguistically diverse people) who are disconnected from the labour market, while providing industry-leading wrap-around services for every participant. These programs help people take the next steps from engagement through to training and employment and include traineeships and apprenticeships.
Live Training Sites
Through our infrastructure works and other smaller scale projects with local image stakeholders we can deliver vital “hands-on” skills and help people connect to accredited and non-accredited vocational pathways. Among the industry sectors we’re targeting are Civil Construction, Construction, Horticulture, Landscaping, Conservation Land Management, Aged Care, Home and Community Care, Individual Support Services, Early Childhood Education and Care, Business Administration and Hospitality.
Since the SPARK program was established in 2016, the award winning training and employment program has delivered significant outcomes, changing the lives of hundreds of participants and generating flow on benefits to the community.
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1,858 training places
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807 work experience placements
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934 job outcomes
