Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations The Honourable John Mickel
Underemployed head for full-time work in Winton
A $17,490 Skilling Queenslanders for Work project is giving 38 Winton locals new skills and the confidence to move into full-time work on a new Skilling project announced today.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel and Member for Mount Isa, Betty Kiernan, said the project would be run by Winton Shire Council.
“Over 20% of people currently working part-time would like more hours*,” Mr Mickel said. “As we head to record high employment levels we need to focus on giving people these skills to share in and contribute to, Queensland’s prosperity.”
Mrs Kiernan said the training would enhance participants’ ability to work in skill-shortage areas such as trade and retail areas.
“It’s also a boost for local businesses as there will be a pool of skilled and job ready people to take up local posts,” she said.
Winton Shire Council Mayor Ed Warren said the training will enhance participants’ ability and confidence to find work.
“We have strong links with local employers and this will give participants the perfect opportunity for networking and finding sustainable employment,” Cr Collins said.
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: Winton Shire Council Coordinator Caroline Sciascia on 4657 0475 or wintoncisp@bigpond.com
Ministerial Contacts: Chris Brown on 3237 1945 or Nathan Moir on 3235 4060
