Government skills Queenslanders for work with nearly $50 million funding
- Up to 6,133 unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders will access life-changing training as part of the latest round of the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
- The second round for 2024-25 received a record number of applications, reflecting the strong commitment from local community-based organisations to support Queensland job seekers on their journey to employment.
- By mid-2025, the initiative is expected to reach a new milestone – more than 100,000 Queenslanders supported.
The Crisafulli Government has today announced nearly $50 million worth of funding for the latest round of the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
Funding has been boosted by nearly $5 million from the previous round as the Government continues its commitment to improving work skills across a broad section of the community.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work assists disadvantaged job seekers to gain skills, qualifications and experience to secure a job or remain in the workforce.
Job seekers undertake accredited training across a range of priority industries – including construction, primary industries, community services and hospitality – while receiving wrap-around support to help them complete training and find a job.
Organisations set to receive grants in the new round include:
- Gold Coast Project for Homeless Youth Inc's 'Housing and Recovery Program' – employing up to 24 young job seekers to undertake a Certificate I in Construction, foundation skills and first aid training, and Silica and Asbestos Awareness training, while contributing to the first stage of transforming a Gold Coast property into the site of the HARP Sustainable Village, independent tiny house accommodation for young people, and a community centre and training facility.
- Goondiwindi Silo Inc's 'Steady, Ready, Go!' project – assisting up to 110 job seekers to undertake either a Certificate II in Hospitality, Certificate III in Business or a Certificate III in Community Services, to meet demand for entry-level workers across a range of local industries.
- Cowboys Charity Limited's 'Cowboys Dream, Believe, Achieve – Hospitality' project – assisting up to 60 job seekers in Townsville to undertake a Certificate III in Hospitality, while completing work experience with local hospitality and entertainment venues such as Cowboys Leagues Club, The Ville Resort Casino, Brothers Leagues Club and Event Cinemas.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said Skilling Queenslanders for Work provided enhanced support for disadvantaged job seekers, including accessing training, to gain employment in critical industries.
"In this round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work, $49.7 million in funding will help even more Queenslanders to obtain a qualification, thanks to trusted community-based organisations like Multicultural Australia, Carers Queensland Limited, and Skill360 Australia Limited," Minister Bates said.
"Importantly, these organisations also provide real, practical assistance to job seekers, which can include mentoring, employability skills, and transport assistance.
"More than 62,300 Queenslanders have secured a job as a direct result of their participation in the initiative – with more than half of those being young people aged 15 to 24 years.
"We hope these new projects will motivate and inspire job seekers across Queensland, to gain the necessary skills for employment in critical industries including construction, hospitality, transport, retail, and aged care."
