More training options for Queenslanders

Queenslanders now have more options to start a qualification as part of the Government’s strategy to address skills shortages and boost productivity. 

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the Queensland Government was listening to industry by subsidising an extra 38 additional qualifications and skill sets for people to consider.

“We’re delivering for Queenslanders by working directly with industry to identify what skills employers need to create a stronger economy,” Mr Langbroek said.

“On top of the qualifications that we already subsidise, areas as diverse as engineering, health, hospitality, mining, tourism, transport, utilities and agriculture are now also government subsidised.

“Qualifications include a Diploma of Engineering - Advanced Trade, a Certificate II in Shearing and Farm business management Skill Set, just to name a few.”

Mr Langbroek thanked the Ministerial Industry Commission for its extensive consultation on Queensland’s skill priority areas to provide up-to-date and industry relevant information.

“We want to provide a world-class training system and we’re delivering on our strong plan to revitalise frontline services by working in partnership with industry to deliver a skilled workforce,” he said.

“The government has committed to funding 11 additional qualifications under the Certificate 3 Guarantee, with the remaining 19 qualifications and eight skill sets funded under the Higher Level Skills Program.

“This demonstrates our commitment to help Queenslanders develop the skills most needed by employers to enjoy a rewarding future.”

Ministerial Industry Commission Chair Saxon Rice said the additional qualification and skill sets would boost business confidence in the training sector.

“The Ministerial Industry Commission is focussed on forming genuine partnerships with industry to deliver a better training system for Queensland,” Ms Rice said.

“The Commission has held a number of regional forums to gain a better understanding of the skilling and funding priorities for training and this is reflected in the Government’s decision today.”

Mr Langbroek said the Certificate 3 Guarantee initiative provided eligible Queenslanders with access to a government subsided training place up to and including their first certificate III qualification in a priority training area.

“This initiative also assists people needing foundation skills and disadvantaged learners.  It also provides fee free training for Year 12 graduates enrolling in a high priority qualification and school students enrolled in an eligible qualification while at school.

Priorities for current investment include qualifications and skill sets in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander primary health care, aged care, agriculture, onshore drilling, driving operations, hospitality, process plant operations, horticulture, surface extraction operations, telecommunications, engineering, tourism, and transport and logistics.

The qualifications will begin to be subsidised immediately, while government subsidies for skill sets become available from January 2015.

To find out more, visit: http://www.training.qld.gov.au/information/vet-investment-plan/subsidies-list.html

The additional qualifications and skill sets funded

Community Service Industry

Case Management skill Set

Chronic Disease Self-Management Skill Set

Management Skill Set - Promote and establish a mental health peer workforce

Medication Assistance Skill Set

Engineering – General

Diploma of Engineering - Advanced Trade

Diploma of Engineering – Technical

Advanced Diploma of Engineering

Health –General

Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting

Diploma of Practice Management

Chronic Condition Self-Management for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Clients Skill Set

Hospitality

Certificate IV in Hospitality

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Certificate IV in Patisserie

Advanced Diploma of Hospitality

Mentoring and supervision Skill Set

Mining

Certificate II in Well Servicing Operations

Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations

Primary Industry – Agriculture

Certificate II in Shearing  

Certificate III in Shearing

Certificate III in Wool Clip Preparation

Farm business management Skill Set

Certificate IV in Forest Operations

Certificate IV in Timber Processing

Tourism – General

Certificate III in Guiding  

Certificate IV in Guiding

Service for International Visitors Skill Set

Transport and Distribution - General

Certificate II in Furniture Removal

Certificate III in Furniture Removal  

Certificate III in Rail Driving  

Certificate III in Waste Driving Operations  

Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics

Utilitiies - Electrotechnology

Certificate II in Sustainable Energy (Career Start)

Certificate IV in Electrical - Instrumentation

Certificate IV in Electrotechnology - Systems Electrician

Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering

Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical

Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering

Utilities – Water

Diploma of Water Operations (NWP50107) (subsidised under Higher Level Skills)

[ENDS] 9 October 2014

Media contact: Minister’s Office – 3237 1000