New partnerships to drive Indigenous opportunity

Access to better job and training opportunities will be easier for Indigenous Queenslanders through a new Queensland Government partnership program, which opened for first round applications today.

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek said community and business organisations could partner with the Government under the Indigenous Training Strategy to help meet the training needs of Indigenous people in priority skills areas.

“The Can-Do LNP Government is working hard every day to create jobs and opportunities by growing a four pillar economy,” Mr Langbroek said.

“More jobs are now being created in Queensland than in any other state and by targeting our training to the right areas this growth will continue.

“Working in partnership with industry means students will gain relevant training to increase job prospects for a brighter future.”

Mr Langbroek said the four-year strategy was part of the reform of the vocational education and training (VET) sector and supported the “crayon to career” approach to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

“Organisations can apply for funding of up to $400,000 under the strategy for programs to help participants complete nationally recognised training,” he said.

“It funds organisations to deliver regional and community-based training projects which can help achieve meaningful and long-term employment and training outcomes for Indigenous participants.”

Mr Langbroek said community-based organisations, registered training organisations and private companies with demonstrated experience in delivering training support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were eligible to submit projects.

“This strategy reflects the Government’s determination to the close the gap on inequality,” he said.

“It complements the Department’s main VET investment programs – the Certificate 3 Guarantee, User Choice and the Higher Level Skills program.

“Project participants can be undertaking training in qualifications funded under the Certificate 3 Guarantee or Higher Level Skills program.

Mr Langbroek said applications for projects under first round funding for 2014–2015 would be accepted from 1–26 September.  A total of $6 million will be made available for projects over two funding rounds for the year.

For more information on the Indigenous Training Strategy, go to www.training.qld.gov.au/indigenoustraining

[ENDS] 1 September 2014

Media contact: Amy Cobb 0418 996 503