Upskilling for success: TRACQS White Card Training with Vander Safety 

On Monday, February 17, 2025, six Community Assistance Workers and the Dimbulah Community First Activity Supervisor, Brad Cook, participated in the Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry course.  

This initiative was organised by TRACQS in partnership with Michael Vandersar from Vander Safety, marking another milestone in TRACQS’ commitment to workforce development. 

TRACQS Workforce and Career Coordinator Grace Oui, in consistent communication with Michael, got many Community Assistance Workers onboard and prepared for the course. 

Grace with the assistance from Community Mentor Delvene Richards, provided necessary support to the Community Assistance Workers taking the course, helping with getting the correct Proof of Identification, tracking down or creating a USI (Unique Student Identification) and transport for those located within the Dimbulah and Chillagoe Community who required transport to Kuranda. 

Brad Cook, the Dimbulah First Activity Supervisor who also undertook the training, utilised the TRACQS Activity bus to transport the Dimbulah and Chillagoe Community Assistance Workers to the TRACQS Kuranda office where the course was delivered.  

As the workers would travel far, TRACQS Program Manager Francis ensured they were looked after with lunch and morning tea provided during the course breaks.   

Upon arrival at TRACQS, Grace sat with the workers to ensure they had everything prior to the course start time and completed the final step of enrolling the workers into the course.  

She also helped in supporting those who had literacy and numeracy barriers, providing guidance and encouragement to the workers to finish the course. 

“I am proud of what the Community Assistance Workers have accomplished by taking initiative and getting upskilled,” Grace said. 

“I was glad to have contacted Michael Vandersar who was happy to deliver the course at TRACQS training room. That was a great bonus.”

Michael Vandersar commended the participants for their dedication and enthusiasm, stating: 

“After a few decades in construction and having attended a few different white card inductions myself, it was great to help these students prepare for work in the construction industry. It was great to work with this group of interested and capable students who were all keen to learn. Thanks to TRACQS for this opportunity and I hope to work with you again in the future.” 

With the Community Assistance Workers upskilled and now obtaining a White Card, they are looking forward to commencing in their next course furthering their qualifications and employability.  

Workforce and Career Coordinator Grace has confirmed with the workers that TRACQS will organise a Chainsaw Ticket Training next. TRACQS look forward to the success of the next training and congratulates all those who engaged in the White Card Training Course. Well done team!