Popular industry school program expands into new fields

A successful school program is set to be expanded, undergoing the biggest changes in over ten years thanks to additional funding from the Palaszczuk Government.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced a $1.62 million funding boost to the Gateway to Industry Schools Program at the annual Beenleigh State High School Paddock to Plate luncheon today.

“We want to make sure our young Queenslanders have the skills they need to get a job now and into the future,” the Premier said.

“That’s why we announced free tafe for year 12 graduates and free apprenticeships for under 21s and now we’re expanding the highly successful Gateway to Industry Schools program to include four new projects.

“The new projects like screen and media, information and communication technology, health and community services have been included because we know these are areas that are rapidly growing in demand for skilled workers.”

Gateway to Industry Schools projects:

• Screen and media (new)
• Information and communication technology (new)
• Health (new)
• Community services (new)
• Aerospace
• Agribusiness
• Building and construction
• Food, wine and tourism
• Manufacturing and engineering
• Minerals and energy

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said there are now 200 schools in the Gateway to Industry Schools program and the expansion would build on the existing six projects.

“This program lays the foundations for our young Queenslanders to gain valuable skills and knowledge before they walk out of the classroom,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Our overall investment of $2.7 million in this fantastic program links school kids with industry and gives them a taste of what a future in this sector would be like while gaining valuable skills.”

Member for Macalister Melissa McMahon said this investment in the program will set Logan students up for a bright future once they leave the classroom.

“Already 200 schools across Queensland, including 11 in Logan are signed up to one or more of the Gateway to Industry Schools program,” Ms McMahon said.

“These four new projects are already sparking interest from local schools, including Beenleigh State High who are looking into partnering to provide health pathways for students as part of the Gateway program. 

“This will mean that Beenleigh students will have a fantastic head start in securing a job as a nurse, allied health worker, a disability career or an aged care worker - jobs that we know are in demand.” 

Queensland celebrity chef Matt Golinski is an ambassador for Food, Wine and Tourism Gateway Schools Project where he trains hospitality teachers.

Every year he also joins the hospitality training students at Beenleigh State High School to prepare and serve the Paddock to Plate luncheon, which sources fresh produce from the schools training farm to prepare a fine dining experience for 250 guests.

Funds raised from the day go to the Parents and Citizens Association for school upgrades and to support a team of hospitality students to undertake work experience at a 5 Star Hotel in Changzhou China.

While attending the popular event, the Premier and Minister urged all Queensland students undertaking school-based industry training to consider the free training options when they leave school.

“It was at last year’s Paddock to Plate lunch that the Palaszczuk Government launched Queensland’s free tafe for year 12 graduates program that now has over 7000 graduates training in a high priority trade,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We have also introduced free apprenticeships for under 21s in 139 industries showing a demand for skilled workers.

“Since the launch earlier this month there has already been a strong employer and student response to the free apprenticeships for under 21s initiative especially as the government made it available to apprentices and trainees that are under 21 and currently training in these high priority qualifications.

“The government will cover the cost of the training fees for all eligible young people until they complete their apprenticeship or traineeship, including those that complete after the age of 21 years.”  

Gateway to Industry Schools program - http://www.skillsgateway.training.qld.gov.au/

Free apprenticeships for under 21s – www.desbt.qld.gov.au/freeapprenticeships

ENDS

Media contacts:

Premier’s Office – Zoe Russell 0439 982 347 / Minister Fentiman’s Office – Inga Williams 0439 949 719