The Palaszczuk Government will support more than 470 disadvantaged Gold Coast jobseekers into work with $70.1 million in funding for its flagship employment and training program announced today.
Minister for Youth Affairs and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon 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," Minister Scanlon said.
"Since 2015, more than 40,300 Queenslanders have secured a job as a direct result of Skilling Queenslanders for Work.
"This round will see 18 local community organisations share in $3.25 million of funding to train local jobseekers in everything from early childhood education to construction."
In Nerang, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia will train the next generation of Health Heroes with 52 places available in their Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy program.
"And at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Challenge Employment and Training will guide 30 jobseekers through controlling pests, weeds and diseases in a Certificate I in Conservation and Ecosystem Management," Ms Scanlon said.
"The Migrant Centre Organisation will also deliver its Foundation Skills for Aged Care program in Southport and Labrador.
"Importantly, 73 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project, so we know this program works."
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.
"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," the Minister said.
"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.
"Skilling Queenslanders for Work is 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."
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.
