Time to step up to skills study

As the new year gets underway young Queenslanders are being urged to consider the exciting careers vocational education and training can lead to.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman is encouraging the latest cohort of year 12 graduates and young Queenslanders under 21 to take advantage of the Palaszczuk Governments free training initiatives.

“Qualifications in aviation, science and engineering along with apprenticeships in electrical, construction, hospitality and much more are on offer for free,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We want to make sure all young Queenslanders have access to world class training that will lead to a successful and exciting career.”

“So far more than 16,000 students have taken advantage of free training through our free apprenticeships for under 21s and free tafe initiatives since August 2018.”

The Minister said the programs are part of the Palaszczuk Government’s significant VET spending of almost $1 billion annually which supported almost 240,000 students in 2019.

“Last year more than 22,500 Year 12 students achieved a Certificate qualification while they were still at school, giving them a head start before they even graduated.”

“We are providing the training for more jobs in more industries.”

“I encourage all of the 37,000 graduates still thinking about what to do this year to consider the fantastic opportunities available at Tafe.

To take up free tafe, 2019 Year 12 graduates must enrol and start training in one of the 172 eligible qualifications by the end of 2020.

All Queenslanders under the age of 21 are also eligible to take up one of 139 apprenticeships and traineeships for free – this will mean employers won’t have to bear the training cost to take on an apprentice or trainee.

The State Government’s Take on your future advertising campaign will continue this year to attract more young people and employers to the apprenticeship program.

For further information on the Queensland Government’s support for vocational education and training visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 935 or the free apprenticeships hotline 1800 210 210.

For TAFE Queensland enrolments contact 1300 308 233 or visit www.tafeqld.edu.au.

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Media Contact:      Inga Williams           0439 949 719