MRAEL Shaping Futures

22/09/2026

Could this be your next step towards work?

Cup of Ambition is a supportive, hands-on program designed to help you build practical skills, confidence and get ready for employment.

Learn in a welcoming café-style environment, develop skills you can take into the workplace and take that next step towards your future.

📅 Starting 5 October in Gladstone
✅ No cost for eligible participants
👥 Ages 15+

Places are limited. Get in touch to find out if you’re eligible and secure your place.
📞1300 999 282
📩[email protected]

24/08/2026

Thank you to Minister Ros Bates for visiting our Rockhampton facilities and highlighting the positive impact of Skilling Queenslanders for Work. We’re proud to be creating practical training and employment pathways for young people across Central Queensland.

06/08/2026

This Homelessness Week, three young people we work with through MRAEL Shaping Futures shared what it took to turn their lives around 💛

They each came to us from some of the hardest moments of their lives. One was homeless and living in a hotel, on the verge of losing her spot at school. Another felt he had no structure, family or support, and no real sense of where to turn. What changed everything wasn't one big moment, but a few steady ones: a safe place to live, a way to stay in education, and someone in their corner who genuinely had their back.

Little by little, things began to shift. Safe housing gave them somewhere to breathe, school became possible again, and for the first time in a long while, they could start to picture a future. Their message to anyone doing it tough right now is a simple one: "It's okay to ask for help. It can change your life, and you're not alone."

The theme for this year's Homelessness Week is Homelessness Action Now, a reminder that safe housing and the right support genuinely change lives. Three young people, three very different starting points, and one thing in common: none of them had to do it on their own. 🏡

📖 Read their full story on our website: https://www.mrael.com.au/blog/youre-not-alone-three-young-people-share-their-stories

Full names, identifying details and images have been withheld to protect the privacy and safety of the young people involved. Their stories are shared with their consent.

MRAEL Shaping Futures is proudly part of IntoWork Australia.

05/06/2026

Today is World Environment Day 🌏

Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.

The planet is sending signals — and the way we prepare people for the future needs to keep up.

Through MRAEL Shaping Futures, we connect people with real pathways, industry insight and opportunities early — helping them understand where work is heading, not just where it is now.

As industries shift towards more sustainable ways of working, that awareness matters.

Because the future workforce won’t just step into change — they’ll help drive it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRXK3Ne88AI&t=60s

MRAEL Shaping Futures is proudly part of IntoWork Australia.

The planet doesn’t argue. It doesn’t negotiate. It sends signals—ri...

02/06/2026

Reconciliation starts with action.

National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) is a time to reflect on our shared history and consider how each of us can contribute to a more inclusive future.

This year’s theme, All In, reminds us that reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. It calls on all of us to take meaningful steps towards stronger, more respectful communities.

At MRAEL Shaping Futures, we’re proud to support people across Rockhampton and Central Queensland with employment, training and career pathways, creating opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all.

We recognise and value the cultures, knowledge and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Going all in isn’t a one-week commitment. It’s something we carry forward in how we work, connect and support our communities every day.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.

22/05/2026

After 14 years as Group CEO of IntoWork, Poul Bottern has recently tendered his resignation, effective from the end of June this year, as he pursues other business interests.

The Board of IntoWork would like to acknowledge and thank Poul for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, expertise and strategic guidance over the past 14 years, building IntoWork into the large, respected and leading provider in the sector it is today.

Given Poul’s focus over the coming weeks to ensure an effective handover including working with our Boards on governance matters, we have appointed Christine Zechowski as Acting Group CEO, whilst we recruit for an ongoing Group CEO. Christine has been with IntoWork for many years, including as Group Chief Commercial Officer. She is joined by a strong Executive team and experienced CEOs, so IntoWork is in good hands.

In communicating with Staff, Poul noted: It has been a pleasure and privilege to lead IntoWork with the Board and Leadership Team. My highlights have been many, from our growth of 125 to 2,600 skilled staff, expansion across Australia and New Zealand, and increasing services for the most marginalised and disadvantaged members of our community. However, the largest highlight for me has been the pleasure of working with the fantastic group of people within IntoWork as well as our business partners and the broader sectors we engage with!

We thank Poul for his significant contribution and wish him and his family the very best for the future.

08/04/2026

Sign up for our Women in Construction: Step into Resources and Infrastructure Program which provides women with an opportunity to learn new knowledge and skills and take the first step to a rewarding new career.

MRAEL Shaping Futures, in collaboration with Occupational Skills Centre Australia and Gladstone Training Centre, is proud to deliver the Step into Resources and Infrastructure Program at NO COST to eligible participants in the Gladstone region.

Leverage the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to kickstart your career in resources and infrastructure.

Limited places are available. Call or email us to apply today on:

📞 1300 999 282
📧 [email protected]

To be eligible for the program you must:

• be aged 25 years and over and no longer at school or have disengaged
• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident (some Visas)
• require complementary service because they have significant barriers to learning and employer; OR
• have accessed Australian Government employment services for more than six months and remain unemployed.

This Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.

MRAEL Shaping Futures is proudly part of IntoWork Australia.

08/04/2026

Aged 15–19 and not in school? Want a job or a fresh start?

Get Set for Work is a no cost 10‑week program delivered under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) initiative that helps you build confidence, gain real skills, and get ready for work or further study.

You’ll earn certificates, get hands‑on training, build a resume, practice interviews, and get support from people who care. If you’re ready to move forward and create better opportunities for yourself, this program can help you take that first step.

Limited places are available. Call or email us to apply today.
📞1300 999 282
📧[email protected]

This Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.

MRAEL Shaping Futures is proudly part of IntoWork Australia.

28/01/2026

🌟 From Struggling at School to Thriving in a Trade 🌟

What if leaving school didn’t mean the end of your opportunities? For Lincoln, it was the beginning of something bigger. He left in Year 10, lacking direction, feeling unmotivated and disengaged. However, everything changed when he joined the Get Set for Work program. The supportive environment and respectful staff at MRAEL helped Lincoln gain accredited certificates, hands-on skills, and confidence. He completed a Certificate II in Health Support Services and credits the program with improving his communication skills.

MRAEL Shaping Futures Get Set for Work is a free 10-week Skilling Queenslanders for Work program that provides nationally recognised training, integrated learning support, and core skills to young people aged 15-19, enabling them to transition successfully into employment or further education and training.

In just 10 weeks, Lincoln turned uncertainty into opportunity – building real-world skills, earning qualifications, and finding the confidence to chase his goals. Today, he’s in a full-time apprenticeship at M1 Cycles, working towards a Certificate III in Bicycle Workshop Operations and even scored a $5000 TAFE scholarship!

Lincoln says:

“The MRAEL team treat you like an actual adult compared to school where you have to follow every single rule or get yelled at.”

He highly recommends the program to other young adults who are not thriving in a school environment. “It helped me with my confidence in multiple different ways. When you first start there, you don’t know anyone, so you kind of just have to be open with yourself,” he said.

👉 Read Lincoln’s full story and learn more about Get Set for Work on our website: https://www.mrael.com.au/get-set-for-work-program-empowering-young-people-in-cq/

MRAEL Shaping Futures is proudly part of IntoWork Australia.

21/01/2026

👷‍♀️ Only a Few Days Left! Don’t Miss Your Chance to Join FREE Our Women in Construction Program.

Time is running out – our Step into Resources and Infrastructure Program begins 27 January, and there are only a handful of places still available!

If you’re a woman aged 25+ looking to start a new career path in the resources, civil or construction sectors, this is your moment. This free, 11‑week program (for eligible participants) equips you with the RII20120 Certificate II in Resources and Infrastructure, plus essential industry certifications including your White Card and First Aid.

You’ll also get hands‑on learning, practical safety skills, and job‑readiness support to help you confidently step into employment opportunities across mining, civil construction, trades and more.

📅 27 January 2026
📍 118 Goondoon Street, Gladstone
📞 1300 999 282
📧 [email protected]

This initiative is proudly delivered under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work program. Skills for Queensland

👉 Less than one week to go – secure your spot today!

MRAEL Shaping Futures is proudly part of IntoWork Australia.