The Palaszczuk Government is backing small businesses in Mackay and young Queenslanders even further by offering free apprenticeships to anyone under 21.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman visited the Mackay Christian College to talk to students about the opportunities on offer.
“This $32 million investment will take away the cost of training from employers and will help an estimated 60,000 young people to gain a qualification and get a job,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Right now, businesses bear the cost for training an apprentice, we will be removing this expense to support businesses to be able to take on more apprentices and trainees.”
“This will support local businesses to be able to take on more apprentices and trainees – we are backing their business to grow.”
“It’s fantastic to see that Mackay Christian College is a strong supporter of providing vocational education and training (VET) opportunities for their students to gain a qualification before they leave school.”
“The Palaszczuk Government is here to support students with further training once they walk out of the classroom.”
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said there are 139 qualifications on offer for free through this initiative.
“We need to plan for the future of Queensland and ensure we have the skilled workers in Mackay that we need now and into the future,” Mrs Gilbert said.
“This plan is about creating jobs across the State, jobs in Mackay, jobs in existing industries and jobs in emerging industries.”
“Free apprenticeships is an extension of the hugely successful free tafe for year 12 graduates initiative and is open to anyone under 21 regardless of graduating year 12 or not.”
Free apprenticeships are offered in industries showing a high demand for workers including:
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Early childhood
Ms Fentiman said this initiative would increase the uptake of younger apprentices and trainees with employers.
“This initiative supports the Palaszczuk Government’s aim of getting more young Queenslanders into training or employment and to remove barriers for young people to access training.
For the list of free apprenticeships visit:
