Gympie happy to receive skilled workers and re-engaged young adults

Thirty-two Gympie residents will graduate tomorrow from a $185,150 Queensland Government Skilling Queenslanders for Work funded project as either skilled and job ready, enrolled in further training, or returning to school.

Twenty-seven participants will graduate from a Get Set for Work project that has prepared them for their future by focusing on increasing personal development, literacy and numeracy skills and guiding participants into the workforce or further study.

Five graduates have completed a 20-week Hot Rods project that trained them in engineering so they can enter the workforce while simultaneously ease skills shortages in the industry.

Since August 2007 this project has assisted 12 participants. Another course will commence in February 2008.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the projects have had valuable outcomes for the community by re-engaging people who have much to offer the workforce and neighbourhood.

“With unemployment at a low 3.8 per cent in Queensland, it is essential to remember there are people out there who still find it difficult to find work and it is important to deal with the reasons why this is the case.

“It’s great to see 15participants of the Get Set for Work project have already found work, 10 have made the decision to continue training and two have returned to school.

“Four of the Hot Rods graduates have also found work even though the project has only just finished.”

President of Cooloola Human Services Network Association Vicki Shapcott said the projects have seen an incredible number of participants achieve their objectives.

“It’s apparent there are many people who need avenues so they can achieve their individual goals.

“We have had one 15-year-old young man who left school in year eight attain a Certificate I in Construction, doing wonders for his self-esteem.

“He has been employed by a major supermarket, which previously would not have considered him because of his literacy and numeracy difficulties.

“A 16-year-old young lady is very proud to have secured a hairdressing apprenticeship and is completing a Certificate II in hairdressing at TAFE.

“Hot Rods has been a great asset for the graduates and a channel for one former timber worker who aspired to work in the metal trades.

“Throughout the project he undertook an advanced Gas Metal Arc-welding course and is currently working as a fabricator at a local Gympie business.

“Another participant is now employed locally as a forestry worker and is thoroughly enjoying his new work.”

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 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: Cooloola Human Services Network Association Inc

President Vicki Shapcott on 5483 7441 or management@chsn.org.au

The graduation will take place at the Orchid Room, Gympie RSL Club, 217 Mary St, Gympie at 12:00pm on Wednesday, 19 December.

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

December 18, 2007