Disengaged teens get the chance to try-a-trade

A Queensland Government Get Set for Work project will help 18 Warwick teenagers who have already left or are on the verge of leaving school, with life and vocational skills that will help them learn or earn.

The project, which has received $108,000 under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative funding, addresses the needs of young people who have disengaged or are at risk of disengaging from school and spiralling into an unproductive lifestyle.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said he was pleased to see an active approach to influencing young people to employ positive attitudes to the workforce or continued education.

“The transition from school to work is an important time for young people and a period when they need support and understanding,” Mr Mickel said.

“Get Set for Work projects help teenagers explore career options and find a constructive path for development through customised training, practical experience and plenty of encouragement in an environment that is more suitable for their needs.

“We recognise that the conventional schooling system isn’t necessarily an effective learning method for all teenagers and an alternative path can interest young people to be proactive about their futures.

“This project involves practical exercises supervised by industry professionals where participants will try their hand at carpentry, painting and plumbing to develop entry level trade skills.”

Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA) Manager Jackie Robertson said participants would enjoy flexible assistance measures to meet individual needs.

“A three-day camp will help participants understand the importance of teamwork while developing communication skills and mutually respectful and caring relationships,”
Ms Robertson said.

“SDIEA will provide post-project support through direct contact with employers for those who secure work and we will help with literacy/numeracy and assignment research for participants undergoing further study or training.”


In 2008 over 2000 young Queenslanders who leave school early or are ‘at risk’ of not completing Year 12 will benefit from the $10.6 million statewide Get Set for Work program.

In the most recent survey of participants conducted three months after leaving the program more than 75% were in work or study.

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: Southern Downs Industry Education Association Inc
Manager Jackie Robertson on 4666 9218 or Jackie.robertson@eq.edu.au

Ministerial contacts: Chris Brown on 3237 1944 or Shannon Mackay on 3237 1125

January 23, 2008