Ceiling insulation program gives job seeker new start in life

Thanks to the Australian Government’s ceiling insulation programs, All Seasons Insulation (ASI) has been able to hire hundreds of new employees.

The Queensland cellulose insulation manufacturer, supplier and installer has directly employed 215 people to support the Energy Efficient Homes Package.

“Since the ceiling insulation programs were announced in February homeowners and renters have been calling us in record numbers,” said ASI Managing Director Greg Rashleigh.

“Of the 215 new recruits, 38 are working at the Toowoomba operation and another 20 at our new Gold Coast agency and distribution centre.

“To support the demand created by the program we’ve put on 92 employees to install ceiling insulation with the balance of the 215 in manufacturing, administration and a customer information team advising homeowners how the Australian Government Efficient Home Package can work for them,” he said.

ASI also runs an agent program, and as a direct result of the Economic Stimulus Plan many people have been able to start small businesses installing insulation.

High interest in the Government’s ceiling insulation program has given Henry Treloar a steady job on the Gold Coast.

Henry is one of ASI’s new recruits.

Looking for a new life start on the Gold Coast after finishing school in Tamworth, Henry began looking for a job via the internet.

In February 2009, the Australian Government announced the Energy Efficient Homes Package and within a few weeks fast-tracked the ceiling insulation programs to stimulate jobs and the economy.

Henry had listed his name on an employment website.

With demand for ceiling insulation on the rise, ASI Managing Director Greg Rashleigh needed more installers.

It was at this point that Greg came across Henry’s details and recruited him as an installer at ASI.

So, for Henry the Economic Stimulus Plan has delivered on its promise – providing him with a steady job during the global financial crisis.

“The Government’s ceiling insulation programs have given me a great opportunity with a job I’m happy in,” Henry said.

“This job meant I could move to the Gold Coast which is where I wanted to live.

“I’ve been able to rent a place in Surfers Paradise, pay my bills and start developing a good life here.

“I’ve even started playing football in the Surfers Paradise rugby union under 20s team,” he said.

Before starting his new job as an installer, Henry undertook a training program, which is required for the installation of insulation, at ASI’s head office in Toowoomba.

Homeowners, landlords and tenants on the Gold Coast may see him installing cellulose ceiling insulation in their roof space some time soon!

For more information on the ceiling insulation programs, call the Energy Efficient Homes Hotline on 1800 808 571 or visit www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency.

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