As National Skills Week gets underway the Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman has welcomed the progress being made on training the Minjerribah workforce for a future beyond sandmining.
"Minjerribah is one of the most beautiful parts of our State and as the region transitions away from sandmining, we want to make sure there are training opportunities that will lead to good jobs," Ms Fentiman said.
"The Palaszczuk Government is working closely with the North Stradbroke island community, the traditional owners and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), and Sibelco to ensure training needs are met to transition workers to other employment after sandmining ceases at the end of the year."
"Over the next twelve months, QYAC and my department will work to promote the island as a destination for education and training opportunities."
The Minister said there are two programs underway to upskill and reskill - the Business Operator Training and Capacity Building and Education Exchange.
"Since the project begun last year, our $300,000 investment in the Education Exchange has provided more than 2200 hours of training to over 90 students," Ms Fentiman said.
"This has included training in hospitality, tourism, horticulture, workplace health and safety, business and cultural heritage.
"Minjerribah is a growing tourism and recreational destination and we want to make sure we have the skilled workers to land a job in this exciting part of Queensland."
QYAC CEO Cameron Costello said the projects were playing a critical role in ensuring a bright future for the island.
"Not only are we turning our minds to driving eco cultural tourism and Caring for Country through rehabilitation of mining sites, but with the mining industry ending we are clearly focussed on Caring for People, and ensuring that workers are provided with the adequate support for training and reskilling."
More than $24 million has been budgeted by the State Government for Minjerribah Futuresto help North Stradbroke transition from sand-mining to eco-tourism and retail, and an additional $5 million has been allocated to help mine workers pursue new employment opportunities through the workers assistance scheme.
Sandmining is due to finish at the end of the year and more than 140 former and current workers (as at 31 July 2019), have received advice and support.
National Skills Week (26 August -1 September 2019) showcases the outstanding work being undertaken in the VET sector.
