Greater Access to Training for Queenslanders from today

Key elements of the Newman Government’s Great skills. Real opportunities.five-year action plan to revitalise Queensland’s vocational training sector came into effect today.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek welcomed the introduction of subsidised Certificate III qualifications, assistance for disadvantaged students and apprenticeship and traineeship incentives.

“The plan is an adrenalin shot for the training industry – making training more accessible for all Queenslanders and ensuring it is cost effective and in-line with industry needs,” Mr Langbroek said.

“The Newman Government is committed to growing a strong, four pillar economy, and reforming our VET sector will help boost productivity and increase participation in the workforce.

“We’ve introduced the ‘Certificate 3 Guarantee’ to give more Queenslanders the chance to gain a government funded Certificate III qualification.

“Under the Guarantee, selected registered training organisations will compete for an additional $42 million in contestable funding this financial year.  It will also give Queenslanders access to government subsidised training for their first Certificate III level qualification in priority skill areas.”

Mr Langbroek said the new Community Learning program, which complements the ‘Certificate 3 Guarantee’, would support inclusive learning for disadvantaged learners who are not eligible for Federal Government assistance, with funding of $47 million over five years.

“The program fills a gap in the training market by supporting disadvantaged learners to start a learning pathway and progress to a Certificate III level qualification,” he said. 

“The first funding round is open to training providers from today (1 July) and closes on 31 July 2013. 

Assistant Minister for Technical and Further Education Saxon Rice said two important initiatives that create opportunities and help improve completion rates for apprenticeships and traineeships are also now in effect.

“The School to Trade Pathway incentive provides employers with up to $5,000 to commence a school-based apprentice and keep them in a full-time apprenticeship on completion of schooling,” she said.

“The Group Training Additional Apprentice Bonus provides up to $3 million over 3 years to group training organisations - the largest employer of apprentices in Queensland – to create additional apprenticeship places.

“This allows people to easily gauge whether their current workplace skills, knowledge and experience can count towards gaining a formal qualification through a credit transfer or recognition of prior learning.”

Mr Langbroek said Great skills. Real opportunities. considered the state government’s responses to the Queensland Skills and Training Taskforce’s final report and the Independent Commission of Audit’s final report recommendations.

For more information on the Great skills. Real opportunities. five year plan visit www.dete.qld.gov.au/

[ENDS] 1 July 2013

Media contact: Minister’s office 3237 1000