Extra training support for disadvantaged

Twenty-six innovative training projects for disadvantaged learners will share in $6.27 million under the second round of the Newman Government’s Community Learning program.

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said in this second round almost 60 per cent of the funding was allocated to training organisations in the regional areas of Far North Queensland, Central Queensland and Darling Downs South West.

“The provision of skills training in regional and rural communities across Queensland is critical to the Newman Government’s election commitment of building a four-pillar economy based on tourism, agriculture, resources and construction,” Mr Langbroek said.

“Through the Community Learning program, disadvantaged Queenslanders in regional and rural communities will have access to the training support they need to grow personally, and help build our strong four pillar economy.”

The funding allocation includes:

·         Far North Queensland - more than $1.4 million for five projects to train 420 people

·         Central Queensland - more than $1.1 million for five projects to train 271 people

·         Darling Downs South West - more than $1 million for four projects to train 295 people

·         North Coast - almost $660,000 for three projects to train 174 people

·         South East region - almost $970,000 for five projects to train 330 people

·         Brisbane metropolitan – more than $1 million for four projects train 282 people.

“Together these projects will assist 1,772 disadvantaged people, who don’t receive government benefits and who don’t already hold a certificate III level or higher qualification, to receive the training they need to move into employment or further study,” Mr Langbroek said.

“I have been impressed by the innovation shown by training providers, who have developed programs that will provide vital skills to enable Queenslanders to directly contribute to our Government’s four economic pillars.

“For example, projects in the Lockyer Valley and the Mareeba area are providing training in production horticulture, which will boost the agricultural pillar.

“Other projects are focussing on helping people develop engineering skills linked to major projects in the Galilee Basin, contributing to the construction industry in Queensland.”

Mr Langbroek said the Community Learning program was a key initiative of the Queensland Government’s Great skills. Real opportunities. reform action plan.

“Community Learning has a responsive funding model that supports partnerships between training providers and community organisations,” Mr Langbroek said.

“It complements the introduction of the Certificate 3 Guarantee by funding the delivery of nationally recognised qualifications in a community-based environment to provide the extra support disadvantaged learners need to succeed.”

Information on applying for Community Learning funding is available at www.training.qld.gov.au.

The second round of grants comes on top of the 23 projects that were successful in the first round to deliver nationally recognised, community-based training to more than 2,100 learners with diverse needs across the state.

The organisations which received funding in the first and second rounds are listed on the website.

23 December 2013

Media Contact: Minister’s office 3237 1000