Bribie Jobseekers soon to ease skills shortage

Bribie Island is set to gain 60 much needed workers in only 12 months thanks to a $113,310 Skilling Queenslanders for Work grant awarded to Caboolture Business Enterprise Centre Association Inc.

Minister of Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel and Member for Pumicestone Carryn Sullivan said the Queensland Government funded project will help an area that is presently suffering skills shortages.

“Participants will get essential skills to seize opportunities and get work on Bribie Island which will prosper as a result of the influx of skilled people to local industry,” Mr Mickel said.

“With unemployment at a record low of 3.8 per cent in Queensland, skills shortages are looming in almost every industry and it is crucial we empower as many people as we can with the skills and confidence to work and contribute to our thriving economy.”

Member for Pumicestone Carryn Sullivan said the Caboolture Business Enterprise Centre Association has worked closely with local business to determine skill gaps, and training will be devised to address these needs.

“Training will prepare people for work in hospitality, retail, tourism, community services, business administration and information technology businesses,” Ms Sullivan said.

“This project will not only develop vocational skills but offer personal development opportunities by helping each participant with writing their resume, self-motivation, communication skills, budgeting and interview techniques.”

Association General Manager Denis Chiron said this project is particularly welcomed on Bribie Island, which is currently without a full-time Job Network member.

“There is a need in the region to build relationships between jobseekers and understaffed businesses,” Mr Chiron said.

The training will be delivered through Brisbane North Institute of TAFE thanks to a grant of $29,388 from the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.

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 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: Caboolture Business Enterprise Centre Association Inc.

General Manager Denis Chiron on 5495 4944

Member for Pumicestone contact: 3408 6436

Ministerial contacts: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

December 20 , 2007