Ten million dollars to get 2000 troubled teens back on track

Over $10 million in Queensland government funding has been dedicated to help more than 2,000 teens at risk of opting out of work or study in 2008.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said $10.6 million from the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative would fund the highly successful Get Set for Work program in 2008.

“In the most recent survey of participants three months after leaving the program more than
75 per cent were in work or study – a result that surpassed expectations,” Mr Mickel said.

“Some teens are always going to struggle in traditional schooling – and those who do risk disengaging early from the workforce as well.

“The key is to offer alternatives to make sure they don’t fall through the cracks at this vital time in their young lives – this is where Get Set for Work comes in.

“Get Set for Work projects offer accredited and non-accredited training, work placements and help young people finish school.

“The program also takes a wider perspective and aims to help participants address other issues that might be impacting on their ability to work or study such as accommodation difficulties, family conflict and emotional concerns.”

In 2008 the funding will be distributed throughout Queensland with particular focus on areas of need.

Funding includes:

• over $1.2 million for 220 places in North Queensland;
• over $1.1 million for 200 places in Central Queensland;
• over $1.5 million for 270 places in Wide Bay and the Sunshine Coast;
• over $1.3 million for 235 places in South-West Queensland;
• over $1.8 million for 325 places in North Brisbane; and
• over $3.1 million for 560 places in Brisbane South and the Gold Coast.

An extra $440,000 for 260 places will be available to spend in areas of need across Queensland.

Get Set for Work is part of the state government’s Education and Training Reforms for the Future, which came into effect January 1, 2006.

The Reforms require young people are required to stay at school until they turn 16 or finish
Year 10.

They must then continue to study until they gain a senior certificate, a Certificate III level qualification, turn 17 years old, or find work of more than 25 hours per week.

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 under employed 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.

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative 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.

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

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

January 16, 2007