The Palaszczuk Government will support more than 34 disadvantaged Mackay jobseekers into work with $70.1 million in funding for its flagship employment and training program announced today.
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert 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 Gilbert 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.
“We know this program works.
“That’s why this round will see two local community organisations share in $101,000 of funding to train local jobseekers in resources and primary industries.”
Ms Gilbert 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.
“For us locally, it doesn’t get much sweeter than the cane fields, and so partnering with Mackay Canegrowers to deliver skills training just makes sense,” she said.
“Ten local jobseekers will have the opportunity to learn hands on with tractors, cane haulage vehicles and machinery maintenance in Sarina, which will be invaluable experience.
“In Mount Pleasant, the MREAL Group will take 24 trainees on in their Step into Resources and Infrastructure program with a Certificate II being offered.
“It’s all about local training and local jobs and making sure even our most disadvantaged can skill up and work locally.”
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.
