One of the Palaszczuk Government's flagship training and employment programs has now helped more than 38,000 people get jobs, and organisations are being reminded that funding applications for 2021/22 close on Thursday 19 August.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said there was just two more days for eligible, not-for-profit community organisations to submit their Skilling Queenslanders for Work project applications.
"It's absolutely brilliant to see Skilling Queenslanders for Work hit another milestone, with more than 38,000 Queenslanders getting a job thanks to the program," Minister Farmer said.
"The Palaszczuk Government put investing in skills at the heart of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and here is the perfect example of delivering on our promises: we've made the fantastic Skilling Queenslanders for Work program permanent with funding of $80 million a year.
"We are making this investment because we know it really works. Seventy-three per cent of participants go into employment or further training, making it one of the most successful programs of its kind.
"But time is running out for organisations to submit their funding applications: the application window for the 2021-22 funding round will close at 5pm on Thursday 19 August."
Minister Farmer said Skilling Queenslanders for Work assists unemployed or underemployed people and can focus on specific groups facing unique challenges to find and hold jobs.
"We have funded projects for young people preparing for their first job, mature age workers who need to switch careers, parents returning to the workforce or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who need some local experience and qualifications," Minister Farmer said.
"Other projects have assisted people with disability, veterans and ex-service personnel, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.
"We have delivered projects across the state and with construction, primary industries, business services, hospitality and community services among the most popular sectors.
"Organisations can run initiatives dedicated to assisting people who need to improve their language, literacy and numeracy through the new Community Foundation Skills program and support displaced or retrenched workers who need to update their skills or switch to a new field to pursue a career in a high priority industry under the new Skill Up program.
"The existing Skilling Queenslander's for Work programs will continue, including First Start which will be supporting 400 traineeships with local councils and up to 120 traineeships with community-based organisations."
