The Palaszczuk Government will support more than 100 disadvantaged Fraser Coast jobseekers into work with $70.1 million in funding for its flagship employment and training program announced today.
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari 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," Mr Tantari 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.
"This round will see five local community organisations share in $1.24 million of funding to train local jobseekers in everything from construction to hospitality."
Mr Tantari 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.
"In Pialba, the Hervey Bay PCYC will run its Get Set for Work program, where 40 trainees will be supported to achieve a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways," he said.
"The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre has also secured funding to help 24 jobseekers master the perfect brew with its Youth Café Skills project."
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said Skill Centred Queensland will deliver two work skills traineeship projects locally.
"Ready – Set – Nail It is offering a Certificate I in Construction to support local jobseekers into a trade while Champions Xcel will focus on computer skills," Mr Saunders said.
"Moonaboola Garden will be the training ground for 12 aspiring conservationists under the careful watch of the Yalga Binbi Institute, too."
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.
