Overcoming personal challenges, 23-year-old Dakota Ninyette says he has rediscovered both his career path and himself through the OnTrack Employment Program.
The 7-week program, delivered by the project team at the METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project, offers training and job opportunities to unemployed, entry-level individuals like Dakota. It aims to enhance participants' skills in areas such as financial management, cultural understanding, mental health, communication, conflict resolution and the use of small tools and equipment.
Dakota said bonding with his fellow participants and the OnTrack team gave him strength and a fresh perspective on life.
“Every participant was in the same boat, so there was no room for judgement in our diverse backgrounds. The OnTrack team created a safe and supportive space for us all,” he said.
Dakota was one of 17 trainees from Cohort 2 to complete the program in September last year. After graduating, Dakota secured his dream apprenticeship with one of the project’s contractors, MCT Equipment.
Now one year into his mobile plant mechanic apprenticeship, Dakota has primarily worked on servicing and demobilising the Gantry Cranes used on the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project.
“I’m looking forward to completing my trade apprenticeship and gaining more hands-on experience with MCT's field plant equipment,” he said.
“I’ve gained real independence and the financial stability to support my family – it has transformed my life.”
MCT Equipment Managing Director Anthony Grosser said Dakota has shown a strong commitment to work and developing his career.
"Our organisation has loved being part of the OnTrack Program and is supportive of opportunities like this that can change lives. We look forward to seeing Dakota grow and build his future with MCT.”
The OnTrack Employment Program is aligned with the project’s Sustainable Employment Plan which aims to achieve four per cent of total project work hours undertaken by Aboriginal people and five percent by entry-level work-ready individuals. The Program is open to people with an Aboriginal background, female job seekers, older job seekers (45+), young people aged 16 to 24, people from diverse cultural backgrounds and former prisoners.
The METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project has now delivered six On Track programs with 105 participants. Of the 15 graduates from the most recent cohort, 11 have already found employment.