Campaign to boost apprenticeships launched in Mackay

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman have announced a $1 million fund to encourage more businesses to explore apprenticeships as the pathway to jobs and careers for Queenslanders.

 Ms Palaszczuk said that as part of the campaign, the Queensland Government would partner with industry to encourage more people into priority training pathways and more businesses to employ an apprentice.

 “Apprenticeships and traineeships set people up for quality jobs and are vital for growing the Queensland workforce,” she said.

 “This campaign is about giving businesses the information and help they need to embrace apprentices and get them on board.”

 Ms Palaszczuk and Ms Fentiman made the announcement while visiting the Airlie Beach Welding and Fabrication company as part of the state government’s Governing from the Regions program.

 Ms Fentiman said that employing an apprentice would not only benefit businesses, including small businesses, across Queensland but would be a shot in the arm for local economies.

 “It’s a great investment in the skilled workforce that businesses need to succeed and grow,” she said.

 “The Queensland Government will partner with industry groups and other peak bodies to fund industry-specific or local campaigns to generate more interest from businesses and people to sign up more apprentices.

 “To do this, we will work with industry and match their contributions dollar-for-dollar to roll out campaigns relevant to their workforce.”

 Ms Palaszczuk said the Government was already backing apprentices with quality training and a range of other incentives, including the 2300 apprentices hired under the Back to Work program.

 “We’re also encouraging businesses to employ apprentices through payroll tax rebates, Back to Work payments and our construction training policy,” she said.

 “But we need to do more and this new campaign will also highlight the great results that employers and their apprentices are already achieving, the job opportunities available and the skills required to get businesses, job seekers and school students to pursue these training pathways.”

 For more information visit www.training.qld.gov.au/apprentices or call Apprenticeships Info on 1800 210 210.

 ENDS

 MEDIA CONTACT: Bernadette Condren 0417 296 116; Inga Williams 0410 769 711