- The Crisafulli Government is rolling out the Career Tasters program to year 10 students in Central Queensland to give them hands-on experience in several priority industries.
- Career Tasters aims to develop pipeline of skilled workers to address shortages created by Labor's neglect of regional Queensland.
- The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland's future and rebuilding a skilled workforce across all parts of the State.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering the opportunity for Year 10 students in Central Queensland to get a taste of different careers and make more informed decisions about their futures.
The Career Tasters pilot program gives students experience in construction, health, early childhood education, heavy automotive and manufacturing to lay the foundation for a career in key industries.
It's yet another example of how the Crisafulli Government is building Queensland's future and working to overcome the skills shortages created by Labor's decade of decline.
The pilot program is being delivered for free across the state by TAFE Queensland and CQUniversity with students in Gladstone, Emerald, Rockhampton and Mackay the next in line to take part.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the program was showing schoolkids there's a bright future on offer which doesn't require a university degree.
"This kind of early career exploration is critical in changing that mindset that university is the only way to go, and Career Tasters shows students there's rewarding and lucrative careers on offer which students may not have been aware of," Minister Bates said.
"Labor's legacy is a skills crisis which is continuing to impact every part of Queensland, which is why the Crisafulli Government is delivering real pathways and opportunities to try to bridge the dire shortages we inherited.
"The Crisafulli Government is investing $8 million in Career Tasters to make training accessible for more students and ensure we are delivering the right skills for Queenslanders.
"Offering hands-on learning in real training environments will give these young people opportunities to build their confidence, identify areas of skill and interest, and make more informed decisions about their future."
Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton said the program was a game changer for Central Queensland's pipeline of skilled workers.
"This is such a great opportunity for our local students to get real experience and open their eyes to all of the possibilities that are available to them," Mr Hutton said.
"Labor neglected our region and failed to support a proper pipeline of skilled workers, but this program lays the foundations early and will help grow our workforce where we need it most."
Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said Career Tasters would help develop better pathways from school to the workforce for regional students.
"By showing students what's out there, we're helping them make more informed decisions about their futures and guiding them into really rewarding careers," Mr Dillon said.
"This program is going to open a lot of doors for kids in Central Queensland and create future apprentices and trainees that our businesses are looking for."
CQUniversity Deputy Director TAFE Marketing Mark Stanley said Career Tasters offered students a window into their possible futures supporting Central Queensland's priority industries.
"Career Tasters offer a practical glimpse into real skills and careers for young people in Year 10," he said.
"Regardless of whether they are interested in health, beauty, construction or other trades, the program will support them in making informed decisions about their future study plans in senior school and beyond."
The Career Tasters program is a joint initiative of the Australian Government and Queensland Government which aims to support students to complete their training.
For courses and delivery locations visit cqu.edu.au/study/tafe/career-tasters
