Blueprint for jobs in the Fraser Coast

Published Wednesday, 24 October, 2018 at 08:29 AM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

A new report released today will assist in providing positive outcomes for jobs and businesses in the Fraser Coast region.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman launched Jobs Queensland’s Fraser Coast Workforce Blueprint report today in Maryborough.

“Developed through partnership between Jobs Queensland, TAFE Queensland and the CSIRO, this blueprint will help us prepare for the workforce challenges of the future and support jobs growth in the Fraser Coast region,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Through our investment with Jobs Queensland they have undertaken consultation with local community business leaders, training providers, as well as all levels of government.

“The report focuses on the regions potential in health care and social assistance, including the ever growing NDIS sector, tourism, manufacturing and agriculture.

“Traditional trades will remain vital to the economy, but rapid advances in technology are making these jobs more technologically focused.”

“Skills in machinery operation, maintenance, design, in new technologies like drones will be more in demand.

“Our largest challenge will not be creating jobs, but ensuring we have a local workforce ready and trained with the skills to attract and fill those jobs.

“That’s why it’s vital we continue to invest in vocational education and training and remove barriers to training so all Queenslanders have the opportunity to gain the qualifications to get a job and fill the jobs of the future.”

“One way the Palaszczuk Government is making a difference is with our Free tafe initiative for all year 12 graduates.

“The latest cohort of students who will be graduating in a few weeks have 160 qualifications in high priority industries on offer that undertake for free.”

“As of next year local students will be able to pursue careers in these high priority courses with the addition of five new courses at the Maryborough TAFE under the Free tafe initiative including Certificate III in Community Services, Individual Support, Education Support, Hospitality and Certificate II in Kitchen Operations.”

An outcome of the work conducted in the region is the creation of Jobs Fraser Coast, a committee of key regional stakeholders from government, industry and the education sector who will oversee the delivery of local actions reflected in the blueprint.

“Jobs Fraser Coast will support jobs growth in a strategic manner across priority industries so the region can benefit from a stronger and better skilled workforce,” Ms Fentiman said.

“I am pleased to see our $350,000 investment in the Fraser Coast Regional Council as part of the Regional Skills Investment strategy will also assist Jobs Fraser Coast to deliver on the blueprint’s vision.”

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the report will ensure the Fraser Coast will continue to grow now and into the future.

“The report identifies five recommendations that support the regions workforce development and increase skills development over the coming decades,” Mr Saunders said.

“The five recommendations look at education pathway, digital literacy, service and people skills, numeracy, literacy and problem-solving and entrepreneurship.”

“Skilling Queenslanders for Work program is just one way we are providing quality training at with the wrap around support needed to assist disengaged Queenslanders to gain a qualification.”

Inaugural Jobs Fraser Coast chair Scott Rowe said the board was a continuation of an advisory group that worked with Jobs Queensland and other stakeholders to provide advice on the new workforce development plan.

“The blueprint has been developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, training providers and employer consultation, government entities, and guided by the insight of Jobs Fraser Coast.

“It delivers a set of recommendations and actions to support employers, industry bodies, training providers, state and local government, and the many other stakeholders in supporting skills and workforce development. The blueprint now requires the support of community and industry.”

The Jobs Fraser Coast board consists of:

Scott Rowe (Regional Development Australia), Ana Rodger (TAFE Queensland), Graham Young (University of Sunshine Coast), Melinda Everett (National Disability Services), Darryl Stewart (Tiaro and District Chamber of Commerce), Lance Stone (Maryborough Chamber of Commerce), Sandra Holebrook (Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce), Louise Knol (Fraser Coast Regional Council), Michelle Kennedy (Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service), Leticia Grigorieff (Jobs Queensland

 

The report can be found online: www.jobsqueensland.qld.gov.au/projects/fraser-coast-blueprint

 

 

ENDS

 

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719