TAILOR MADE TRAINING FOR 128 YOUNG SOUTH-EAST QUEENSLAND JOBSEEKERS

More than 100 disadvantaged young south-east Queensland jobseekers will receive a range of employment support and training thanks to a grant of more than half-a-million dollars from the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders For Work initiative.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said BoysTown had received funding of $538 890 for two projects to help 80 participants from Logan and 48 from Deception Bay.

“These projects will provide 128 long term unemployed and highly disadvantaged young people with a range of training and work placements aimed at maximising their employment prospects,” Mr Mickel said.

“Each participant will undertake an initial assessment, allowing an individual training plan to be created.

“This is a great way for jobseekers to get specialised assistance instead of applying a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.”

BoysTown received $310 660 to run the 2006/07 Logan Youth Futures project and
$228 230 to run the Deception Bay Youth Futures project.

Depending on individual requirements, participants may receive help in language, literacy and numeracy, accredited training options, paid work placement opportunities and/or post placement support.

BoysTown Regional Manager Brendan Bourke said the two projects provided employment and training assistance to marginalised and often multi-disadvantaged young people.

“Brisbane North TAFE will provide Deception Bay Youth Futures project participants with accredited vocational training in the areas of construction, small engine maintenance and hospitality,” Mr Bourke said.

“They will also receive accredited literacy and numeracy training, and training in personal development and employability, including job-search skills.

“Four participants will get paid work with community organisations and there are eight work placements available in construction and landscaping projects on the Deception Bay Girl Guides Hut and Scout Hall.

“The remaining participants will be assisted to move directly into employment.” Mr Bourke said.

“The 80 participants in the Logan Youth Futures project will undertake an accredited Certificate I in Skills for the Future, with at least 20 participants progressing to paid work on community infrastructure projects in Logan City.

“They will work on various local projects learning practical skills in landscaping, horticulture and basic construction.

“Other participants will continue to work towards gaining employment through the many forms of assistance provided by the project.”

Skilling Queenslanders for Work and its predecessor the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative have helped to create more than 111 000 jobs across Queensland since October 1998.

Media Contacts: Chris Brown on 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion on 3224 6784.

BoysTown Regional Manager Brendan Bourke 3387 8800

October 9, 2006