MILLION DOLLAR GRANT TO SKILL MIGRANTS

The state government is extending a million dollar helping hand to 270 multicultural Australians, including African migrants and refugees in a new skilling project.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations and Member for Logan

John Mickel said the $1.1 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work project would be delivered by ACCES Services Incorporated.

“This project reflects a change in the way we approach employment programs,” Mr Mickel said.

“Our focus now is to meet the challenges of the skills shortages that Queensland’s 30-year low unemployment rate brings.

“By empowering as many people as possible with skills for work - particularly those in groups that traditionally struggle to join the labour market - we can ensure that our economy continues to thrive.

“This project offers jobseekers access to a toolbox of employment assistance measures specifically designed to meet participants’ individual needs.”

ACCES President Cecil Fernandes said the project would help participants across four regions: Logan, Gold Coast North, Gold Coast South and Brisbane South.

“The assistance is varied and includes job preparation; accredited training in skill shortage areas such as engineering, cleaning and information technology; help with driving lessons and securing a licence; and paid work placements in local not for profit organisations,” Mr Fernandes said.

“We will also be delivering Multicultural Employment Workshops specifically designed to our clients’ needs.

“The workshops will offer training in Australian work culture, Queensland labour market trends and issues, job search techniques and career planning.

“Every participant will have their individual needs assessed on enrolment and a case management approach will ensure they have access to the most suitable training and support options.“

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative together with its predecessor the Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative have helped create more than 124,000 jobs for Queenslanders since 1998.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work is part of the State Government’s $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan which aims to provide individuals and industry with the skills and workforce for the 21^st Century.

For more information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925

Contact: ACCES Employment Manager Michael Krafft on 3808 9299 or michaelK@accesservicesinc.org.au

Ministerial contact: Chris Brown on 3237 1944 or Elouise Campion on 3237 1125

October 29, 2007