Gold Coast set for more skilled workers

Labour force demands are expected to be relieved on the Gold Coast as 150 unemployed residents are trained in local skills-shortage industries.

The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane, trading as Jobcare, has received $243,020 of Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding to administer the Jobcare Community Connections project.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the Queensland Government funded project aimed to get participants ready for the workforce.

“This project recognises the value of mature aged people, parents and carers and women returning to work and offers access to accredited training to help them become job ready,”

Mr Mickel said.

“With unemployment at 3.8 per cent, it’s important that skills shortages are addressed through projects such as this which empower participants to get fulfilling work and actively participate in their local communities.

“Many of those who are unemployed feel that they do not have the capacity to take part in the workforce and projects like this are vital to updating skill sets and increasing confidence.

“The project will be carried out in Surfers Paradise, Southport and Beenleigh to offer participants flexible participation arrangements.”

Jobcare Manager Charles Holmes said the organisation was committed to giving participants a smooth transition into work by assessing transferable skills and concentrating on self esteem and interview techniques.

“One of the aims of this project is to ease labour demands by providing training options that will meet local needs.

“The project offers accredited training options in aged care, computer, business administration and beauty therapy.’’

The Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE and Gold Coast Institute of TAFE are providing direct grant funding for aged care and business studies accredited courses.

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: Jobcare Manager Charles Holmes on 3370 0400 or CHolmes@spiritus.org.au

Ministerial contact: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125

December 21, 2007