Published Friday, 23 November, 2007 at 08:49 AM

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel

South Brisbane Multicultural Employment Program Receives $550,800

The State Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative will provide employment assistance for 140 unemployed people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the Multicultural Development Association has received $550,800 from the initiative to assist migrants and refugees to prepare for finding work in Queensland.

“The Multicultural Employment Program will provide 125 people with job preparation training which covers how to write resumes and job applications,” Mr Mickel said.

“Thirty paid work placements will also be available through this project with 15 places going to job preparation participants.

“They will be working with local community organisations which will give them great experience in an Australian workplace.

“While unemployment is at a low 3.8 per cent in Queensland, it is important to remember many people from culturally diverse backgrounds face difficulties when looking for work."

“This project and others funded through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative help give people the skills and confidence they need to participate meaningfully in the workforce.”

Multicultural Development Association CEO Kerrin Benson said migrants bring a diverse range of skills and languages to Queensland. However, job search practices and the Australian workplace culture and expectations can be different to that in their original country.

“The project includes activities to teach participants functional English, workplace health and safety and job search techniques,” Ms Benson said.

“It’s important for people who come from other cultures and speak other languages have the chance to learn what to expect and how best to contribute in an Australian workplace.

“Without that knowledge and understanding finding, starting and staying in a meaningful job can be very stressful and difficult.”

During 2007/08 the Queensland Government will invest $80 million in the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to give an estimated 17,000 long-term unemployed and underemployed people job related assistance and skills training to maximise labour force participation and increase Queensland's prosperity.

Twelve months after receiving employment and training assistance 67 per cent of participants are in employment.

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 21st Century.

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

Contact: Multicultural Development Association CEO Kerrin Benson on 3394 9300 or kerrinb@mdabne.org.au

Ministerial contacts: Chris Brown on 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060

November 23, 2007