The Palaszczuk Government will support more than 520 disadvantaged North Queenslanders into jobs with $70.1 million in funding for its flagship employment and training program announced today.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper 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 Harper said.
"That's why this round will see 14 local community organisations share in $3.1 million of funding to train local jobseekers in everything from rail infrastructure to conservation.
"In Condon, Energy Skills Queensland will offer 52 traineeships, including 24 in civil construction, while in Kelso, Community Gro Inc will support 15 locals towards certificates in retail cosmetics and retail services."
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said since 2015, more than 40,300 Queenslanders have secured a job as a direct result of Skilling Queenslanders for Work.
"It's 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," he said.
"Locally, our commitment means the Townsville Intercultural Centre can bring on 30 trainees to its Work Ready program and disability employment provider Breakthru will guide 30 local jobseekers to a Certificate III in Individual Support.
"We can only deliver these training programs because our economy is open, which is why it's so important people keep getting vaccinated."
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.
"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," Ms Farmer said.
"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.
"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.
"Importantly, 73 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project."
Minister Farmer said 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.
