Queenslanders will continue to have access to low-cost or free training in key industries thanks to an additional $200 million joint investment by the Queensland and Federal Governments.
Almost 60,000 Queenslanders have taken the opportunity to upskill or reskill under the JobTrainer program since July 2020.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, welcomed the extension of the Commonwealth's $2 billion JobTrainer Fund to support more Queenslanders get in-demand skills through no-fee or low-fee courses.
"If you want to get into a job, JobTrainer is a one-way ticket to skills that will land you one—it is a great deal for Queenslanders and a win-win for our economy," Minister Robert said.
"I encourage all Queenslanders to consider having a crack at a JobTrainer course—join the skilled workforce today."
Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said extending JobTrainer was just another way the Palaszczuk Government was supporting Queenslanders as part of its $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
"Our $100 million commitment to extend the JobTrainer Fund gives even more Queenslanders the opportunity to upskill in key industries," Minister Farmer said.
"We are addressing critical skills shortages by expanding this second round to include any Queenslander, regardless of age or employment status, who wants to undertake training in aged care, disability care, childcare and digital skills.
"It complements our existing free TAFE and apprenticeship program, which, together with all our investments, has seen more than 45,700 Queensland apprentices and trainees commence in the last financial year - a 56.6% rise on the year before."
Gold Coast student Jack Spence has enrolled in a Certificate IV in Cyber Security at TAFE Queensland under the JobTrainer program.
Instead of paying almost $10,000 for the qualification, Jack paid the $50 JobTrainer fee.
"When I found out I could study for my dream job using JobTrainer, I was over the moon," he said.
"It was actually a big reason why I decided to go ahead with the course.
"I've enjoyed coding software and building computers, so I researched the information technology industry and discovered cyber security and knew it was the area I needed to specialise in."
Queenslanders have more time to enrol for the JobTrainer Fund, with the deadline extended to 31 December 2022.
