The Palaszczuk Government will support more than 730 disadvantaged Darling Downs jobseekers into work with $70.1 million in funding for its flagship employment and training program announced today.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer 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,” Minister Farmer said.
“Since 2015, more than 40,300 Queenslanders have secured a job as a direct result of Skilling Queenslanders for Work.
“We are now permanently funding Skilling Queenslanders for Work with a commitment of $320 million over four years.”
Minister Farmer said this round will see 23 community organisations across the Darling Downs share in $3.25 million of funding to train local jobseekers in everything from logistics to construction.
“We know 73 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project, so this is a program that works,” the Minister said.
“That’s why on the Western Downs, the Chinchilla Family Support Centre will offer 10 traineeships in its ‘Knowing Nutrition’ program, where jobseekers will have the opportunity to earn a Certificate I in Hospitality.
“In Oakey, 15 places will be available in The Busy Group’s Certificate I in Construction course, while the Pharmacy Guild of Australia will ensure Toowoomba’s COVID frontline remains strong with a ‘Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy’ program.”
Minister Farmer said the successful organisations displayed a demonstrated commitment to supporting people in their communities to find secure work.
“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,” Ms Farmer said.
“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.
“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.”
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.
