TAFE helps break the cycle for young offenders

Published Thursday, 25 July, 2019 at 06:09 PM

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Di Farmer

Young people in contact with the youth justice system will get vocational training support under a new initiative to help them break the cycle furthering their chances to get jobs.

Minister for Youth Di Farmer said the best way to stop a young person from reoffending is for them to get a job.

“For a young person, getting a job isn’t just about earning money and being independent, it can give them a sense of capability and pride in themselves which in turn is strong motivation to keep achieving,” she said.

“And for young people who have been in contact with the Youth Justice system, it’s also strong motivation not to re-offend.

“But for a lot of young people in the Youth Justice system, it can be harder to complete a qualification due to gaps in high school education, or a lack of family support.

“All young Queenslanders deserve the opportunity to get the skills and education needed to find employment.

“That’s why today I’m pleased to announced that the Palaszczuk Government will be offering TAFE courses to young people who have been in contact with the Youth Justice System.

“Getting a TAFE qualification can be absolutely life-changing – a key that can open doors to getting a job and breaking that cycle.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the Youth Justice Training Initiative opens opportunities for young people in the Youth Justice system to get qualifications in high-demand industries.

“We want all young Queenslanders to have the opportunity to gain an education without barriers,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The Youth Justice Training Initiative offers that bit of extra support to help these young people take the first steps on a path to long-term employment.

“By 2020, more than half of all jobs will require a VET qualification, so by investing in these courses now, we’re investing in young people’s futures.”

Ms Farmer said she would encourage any young person in contact with youth justice to take up the challenge and enrol in a certificate course.

For more information contact the Training Queensland Customer Centre on 1300 369 935.

ENDS

Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132