The Palaszczuk Government’s support for industry-led micro-credentials is nation leading, with a forward-thinking approach to upskilling gaining popularity across the state.
Meeting with the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said micro-credentials were proving to be a boost for businesses, employees and job seekers.
“Micro-credentials help businesses to quickly upskill and train their staff, while jobseekers can update their knowledge and qualifications by completing a free short course,” Minister Farmer said.
“This is a modern and flexible approach to learning and upskilling for both workers and businesses, and will help many industries meet workforce challenges, such as keeping up with changing technologies and finding skilled workers.
Minister Farmer said due to its success, the Palaszczuk Government is extending the Micro-Credentialing Pilot Program for another two years, investing $5.9 million to provide increased access to industry-supported short courses.
“The extension of the micro-credentials pilot program is one of the many key action items that have come from the Palaszczuk Government’s Workforce Strategy, which I will be launching on Tuesday.”
Brett Fraser, Chief Executive Officer QTIC said providing operators with the tools and support they need to fill skills gaps quickly and easily through free online courses would boost the capabilities of the tourism sector.
“It’s great to see so many Queenslanders and tourists visiting our hospitality businesses and tourism hotspots again, but the industry has around 5,200 jobs vacancies to fill so restaurants, hotels and tourism experiences can keep up with that demand,” Mr Fraser said.
“The micro-credentialing program is a game changer for our industry because it enables tourism and hospitality businesses and their staff to get up to date quickly with the skills that our industry needs.
“From learning about food safety, to courses on entrepreneurship and kitchen leadership – these flexible and effective learning options are supporting workers, businesses and the industry.”
Minister Farmer added micro-credentialling assisted QPAC retain and upskill staff including front of house staff completing courses in Intro to Hospitality Management, Rostering Management and Profit and Loss for Hospitality.
“These short and accessible courses, especially in industries where finding time can be hard, provides opportunities for staff to not only improve their skills for their current position, but can open doors for future opportunities.”
QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said the QTIC Micro-Credentialing Program came just at the right time for QPAC as the organisation was preparing to transition its staff back onsite in 2020 after COVID shutdowns.
“With ongoing uncertainty around our operations at the time, the program allowed 19 of our staff to complete 56 courses, upskilling in vital areas for their professional and ongoing development,” Mr Kotzas said.
“Because the micro-credentialing courses are short, ‘bite-sized’ and flexible, they are achievable for a busy workforce like ours.”
Minister Farmer said QTIC was one of 15 organisations across the state to share in $5.2 million since 2020, which assisted as people adapted to new ways of learning and updated their skills before returning to work.
“The Micro-credentialing Pilot Program was funded over three years to support changing workplaces, provide focused training for new or transitioning employees and better support businesses and industries to adapt and improve productivity,” Minister Farmer said.
“At the Queensland Workforce Summit held earlier this year, we heard strongly from industry and employers about the importance of micro-credentials in addressing industry skills needs and strengthening Queensland’s workforce.
“As we continue to look at ways to boost Queensland’s skilled workforce, flexible learning options and workplace practices like micro-credentials are providing us with an effective way to upskill.”
“Eligible organisations targeting specific industry sectors or regional priorities will be invited to submit market-led proposals from February 2023,” Minister Farmer said.
“Based on the current pilot program, it can be expected that the program will provide training opportunities for 3000 to 4000 new and existing workers per funding round.
“Our innovative approach is another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s committing to creating a skilled workforce and delivering good jobs for all Queenslanders.”
QPAC involvement in QTIC Micro-credentialing program:
To date 19 employees from QPAC have completed 56 courses including 572 skills credits. Course completed have been from the following categories:
- Beverage
- Business
- Compliance
- Culinary
- Hotel
- Management
- Service
The micro- credentialing platform is named.
QTIC Program Outcomes to date:
- 500+ businesses have participated in the program
- 1,885 active employees engaged in the program
- 1,795 courses completed
- 19,659 skills credits completed
