A conversation with an ICN consultant early last year led to an Indigenous-owned RTO company winning a major contract to train workers involved in NSW bushfire recovery.
Laing O’Rourke selected Ironbark Training, based in Wagga Wagga, to deliver white card, excavator and other training to subcontractor employees working on the clean-up.
Owner Dave Joyce, a descendent of the Kamilaroi nation of Northern NSW, said ICN “teed us up and got us talking to the right people in Laing O’Rourke”. Once the contract was sealed, Laing O’Rourke provided Ironbark Training’s details to subcontractors.
“What happened was a local person would want to get involved in the clean-up, but they didn’t have a ticket,” Dave said.
Subcontracting companies would contact the registered RTO to deliver the training needed to upskill their workforce.
“We would go there and train them up, and they would get qualifications to be able to start work.
“Then, as we provided a good service, obviously the contract grew,” Dave said.
“We did well ramping up with all of the work. I think we ended up over about seven different sites from Wagga to Bega.”
Over 13 weeks, Ironbark training delivered around 400 training modules.
“We are now in a position to work with other large companies,” Dave said.
“Our capability has grown, and that is what ICN does really well, helps you to grow your capability. Definitely all worth it. Helps you to tick all your boxes and make sure you got everything right”.
Thanks to the Laing O’Rourke contract, Ironbark Training has been able to employ more full time and contract staff.
Dave is in regular contact with ICN Riverina Regional Manager and said that working with ICN and having a solid Gateway listing with wins on the board “lifts your profile”.
For more information on Ironbark Training, go to the company website.
