Up to 244 pre-apprentices across the state will benefit under the Queensland Government's Group Training Organisation Pre-Apprenticeship Program in a stepping stone to a career in construction, engineering or hospitality.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said round three of the program saw 11 organisations across the state share in approximately $6 million in funding.
"Under the Good People. Good Jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy the Pre-Apprenticeship Program has been expanded to deliver an additional funding round," Minister Farmer said.
"The Queensland Government is committed to giving Queenslanders the skills needed for the jobs of the future, to supporting high-quality training, as well as ensuring Queensland's disadvantaged groups did not miss out on the opportunity to participate.
"The latest round is a more targeted program that has a stronger focus on supporting underutilised cohorts who experience greater disadvantage to participating in the labour market.
"It includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability and culturally and linguistically diverse people.
"Through the extension of this program, Group Training Organisations will continue to support Queenslanders through a pre-apprenticeship pathway which will see these vital cohorts get the necessary supports to commence an apprenticeship."
Minister Farmer said under the latest round of the program, Australian Training Works would receive additional capacity to further support 22 First Nations people in Far North Queensland to complete their Certificate I in Construction.
"A Certificate I in Construction traineeship equips participants with the basic skills and pre-requisites to enter the construction industry," Minister Farmer said.
"They'll gain a formal qualification and full-time paid employment on a real construction site.
"It will benefit First Nations people, including women and young people, wishing to enter into the construction industry and will also benefit employers wanting to increase their First Nations workforce and develop a skilled workforce for their business."
Member for Barron River, Craig Crawford said this will be a boost not only for his constituents, but for people all around Far North Queensland.
"I look forward to these job seekers entering into an industry where they will have access to good, secure jobs as they help to build Cairns, and Far North Queensland."
Managing Director Tony Martens said the funding will see more First Nations people in trades.
"During the 12-week program, participants will be able to expand their professional network and gain exposure to the industry, with the opportunity to transition into a full-time apprenticeship upon successful completion," Mr Martens said.
"This includes learning basic health and safety methods and gaining a construction White Card.
"As part of the work placement component of the program, participants will be placed with a suitable host employer where they will work across a range of construction activities, and gain insight into the various trade pathways available in the industry for example carpentry, electrical, civil construction and more."
Minister Farmer said the Group Training Organisation Pre-Apprenticeship Program has projects from two previous funding rounds currently being delivered.
"Both those existing funding rounds are funded through the $200 million Future Skills Fund which significantly invested in the training and skills of Queenslanders," Minster Farmer said.
"Through both funding rounds, 14 Group Training Organisations are supporting over 400 Queenslanders to complete a Certificate I in construction, engineering, automotive or hospitality and support them to transition into an apprenticeship.
"It provides Queenslanders who aspire to undertake an apprenticeship with short-term paid employment while undertaking Certificate I Traineeships in Hospitality, Construction, Engineering or Automotive, positioning them to realise their long-term vocational career goals."
