The Palaszczuk Government will support 400 disadvantaged Central Queensland jobseekers into work with $70.1 million in funding for its flagship employment and training program announced today.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program was an important part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“As we continue to grow our economy, investing in skills and training will help even more locals find the right job,” Ms Lauga said.
“Since 2015, 40,300 Queenslanders have secured a job as a direct result of Skilling Queenslanders for Work and 73 per cent of participants find work or take on further training after exiting the program.
“This round will see 15 local community organisations share in $2.7 million of funding to train local jobseekers in everything from construction to community services.”
Ms Lauga said the funded organisations have tailored their projects to connect local jobseekers with the employers and industries that are looking for more workers in their area.
“In Yeppoon, Multicultural Australia will run its Capricornia Carers project where 26 trainees will be supported to achieve a Certificate III in Individual Support” she said.
“And in Norman Gardens, a Certificate III in Community Services will be offered to 20 local jobseekers through the Women’s Health Information and Referral Service.”
Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke said not-for-profit organisation Five Bridges will deliver two projects locally, including Early Intervention – Indigenous Job Readiness.
“We know some members of our community face more barriers to employment than others, and this is what Five Bridges will work with 80 local jobseekers on,” he said.
“The MREAL Group will also run its Step into Resources and Infrastructure project at Berserker, helping 24 trainees get the local training that leads to a local job.”
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the successful organisations displayed a demonstrated commitment to supporting people in their communities to find secure work.
“Many also support Queenslanders that face unique challenges when applying for work, including young or mature-age jobseekers, people from different cultural backgrounds or whose first language isn’t English, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, among others,” the Minister said.
“Each project offers a range of support to prepare Queenslanders for finding a job, with assistance covering the job application process, general life skills and industry specific training up to a certificate III level available.
“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country, which is why the Palaszczuk Government is permanently funding it with a commitment of $320 million over four years.”
Jobseekers interested in joining a project can check their eligibility online and find their nearest projects at www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/sqw.
The next funding round will open for applications in February 2022 for projects to get underway from July 2022.
