Media release
10 August 2023
The Community Housing Industry Association NSW (CHIA NSW) is proudly celebrating the 15 Cadets who graduate today from the Cadetship Program.
Developed in partnership with the NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC), the Cadetship Program, now in its second year, offers Cadets a 12-month paid employment contract with a community housing provider and enrolment in nationally accredited training course, Certificate IV in Housing.
The Cadets celebrated the special occasion with their families at the State Library of NSW, where they were joined by Minister for Housing and Homelessness, The Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC, who addressed the Cadets and congratulated them on their inspirational achievements as role models for their families and communities.
For the second year in a row, the Cadetship Program has delivered excellent educational and employment outcomes for people who have traditionally experienced significant barriers in accessing work and study opportunities. This includes social housing residents, people living in regional and rural NSW, and people who identify as an Aboriginal person.
Of the 20 Cadets who commenced the program in 2022,15 Cadets have completed the Certificate IV in Housing, with 80% of those Cadets successfully securing employment with a community housing provider as of July 2023.
Amongst the graduating class, Amanda Mundell, Charlotte Parsons-Darcy and Renae Weatherall were recognised for their achievements as nominees at the NSW Training Awards in their respective home regions of New England, Hunter, and South Coast.
CHIA NSW CEO Mark Degotardi shared his enthusiasm for the achievements of the graduating cohort.
“The graduation of these remarkable Cadets is an important milestone and a moment of great pride for the community housing industry,” said Mr Degotardi.
“Today, we celebrate the diversity this cohort has brought to the Cadetship Program and the dedication they have shown to make it to graduation. We are excited to see the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on the communities they serve.”
“CHIA NSW extends its gratitude to the NSW Government for its invaluable partnership in delivering this program, ensuring it changes the lives of not only the Cadets but those they will go on to assist in their work for years to come,” said Mr Degotardi.
NSW Land and Housing Corporation acting Chief Executive Michael Wheatley said this important program was helping to grow the skills of people in the social housing sector to provide better support to those seeking vital housing needs.
“Social housing is built on partnerships and by working with CHIA NSW we’re giving our graduates the skills to thrive in the social housing sector and support us to create more and better homes,” Mr Wheatley said.
“Many of our cadets have come from social housing themselves and can use their lived experiences combined with their new qualifications to help us address the challenges in the housing industry and deliver better outcomes for the most vulnerable members of our community.
“I’d like to congratulate these cadets on their hard work in this program and look forward to seeing them grow as they embark on their newfound careers,” Mr Wheatley said.
Media Contact: Josh Appleton, [email protected]