The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative is living up to its name, with more than 32,800 people assisted into training and jobs.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said more than 73 per cent of people who completed one of the projects funded through the initiative in 2016 had reached a positive outcome—found a job, taken on further training or returned to school.
"Skilling Queenslanders for Work was reinstated in 2015 with a four-year commitment that aimed to assist 32,000 people by June 2019, but we have now passed that milestone ten months ahead of schedule," Minister Fentiman said.
"More than 17,800 participants have found work thanks to this initiative, which is why we decided to boost its budget to $80 million this financial year and extend it for another two years into 2020-21."
Current and past Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants, including two women now working with the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, joined Minister Fentiman at Parliament House for the announcement.
"Thanks to a great network of local organisations delivering projects across the state, individuals, families, businesses and communities are benefiting from this Queensland Government support and contributing to our growing economy," Minister Fentiman said.
The Minister was joined by participants from projects that Marist 180, SANDBAG and Busy At Work are currently running in Booval, Arana Hills, Sandgate and Brisbane CBD.
The participants are studying to earn qualifications in individual support, early childhood education and care, business, construction and hospitality. They come from a variety of backgrounds and receive personalised support to overcome the barriers they face.
The survey of Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants who exited a project in 2016 also found the top five industries snapping up Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants are health care and social assistance, accommodation and food services, retail, construction and manufacturing.
"Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects assist disadvantaged jobseekers to gain the understanding, skills, experience and qualifications they need to pursue productive careers including tailored support for a range of people in our communities who can struggle to find jobs," Minister Fentiman said.
"Assisting 32,000 people ahead of schedule is a great achievement but now the aim is to assist 54,000 Queenslanders by 30 June 2021 and everyone involved with this initiative is working hard to assist each participant to improve their employment prospects."
Skilling Queenslanders for Workfunds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.
Applications to deliver projects through Skilling Queenslanders for Work’s second funding round for 2018–19 are open now until 5pm Thursday 27 September.
