The Queensland Government has committed more than $1.8 million from its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist 272 people from Wide Bay.
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said this was part of more than $31 million committed to assist 5,247 people across the state.
“More than 46,600 people in the state have found jobs thanks to Skilling Queenslanders for Work and it’s great to see how these projects will help even more people,” Minister Farmer said.
“We know this initiative is life changing because 76 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
“The initiative funds community-based organisations who tailor their programs to suit local conditions, understand where opportunities and local employer needs are.
“Tailored, local community-based support is offered to young people, mature-age job seekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women re-entering the workforce, Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans, recently released prisoners; and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”
Minister Farmer said projects to be funded include:
- The Salvation Army Queensland’s Construction Project 2023 in Bundaberg, which will assist 20 people thanks to $443,800.
- Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association’s PCYC Hervey Bay Get Set for Work Program, which will assist 40 people thanks to $163,000.
- Energy Skills Queensland’s Making Tracks Career Start project in Maryborough, which will assist 24 people thanks to $88,200.
Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith, and Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders are excited to see funding for local projects in the latest round.
Mr Smith said it was great to see five projects will receive funding in his electorate, allowing residents the opportunity to get into a variety of industries.
Mr Saunders said he is excited to see more people take up jobs in the community services, and transport and distribution industries with the training on offer from the projects in his electorate.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.
Minister Farmer said the initiative is another way of giving people the jobs, training and skills they need while helping them stay in their communities.
“The initiative supports many focus areas from Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, which aims to attract, connect and educate a thriving workforce to set our state up for success now and into the future.”
