Published Monday, 04 February, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Gladstone teens get back on track
Thirty Gladstone teens who risk opting out of work and study will get a motivational boost and valuable trade skills on a new Queensland State Government funded project.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said Gladstone Area Group Apprentices (GAGAL) had been awarded $171,000 to run the skilling project.
“The project is funded under Get Set for Work, an element of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative that aims to reengage young people and get them learning or earning again,” Mr Mickel said.
“It is so much harder to rejoin the workforce later in life if you opt out during your teenage years and there is a much higher risk of long-term welfare reliance or contact with corrective services.
“By catching those who risk falling through the cracks and giving them training, experience and support we give them a better chance of sharing in, and contributing to, Queensland’s prosperity.”
Mr Mickel said the project will recruit participants by linking with local schools and agencies to determine those who would benefit from the program.
“Some teens don’t respond to the traditional schooling environment so Get Set for Work projects offer training in an informal environment and personal support to help participants overcome personal barriers,” he said.
“This project offers a range of targeted assistance which may include literacy and numeracy support, accredited training in skill shortage areas, work experience, and training in life skills, team building, communication skills, resume development and interview techniques.”
GAGAL General Manager Kerry Whitaker said the accredited training could include
boiler-making, fitting and turning, construction, painting, business, IT or First Aid among others.
“Work experience and practical work classes at our technical training centre will form an important part of the training initiative,” Ms Whitaker said.
“Another key element of the project is a range of activities that increase self-esteem, communication, life skills and work etiquette.
“These activities allow participants to develop the confidence to either enter the workforce or return to education or further training with a changed attitude.”
In 2008 over 2000 young Queenslanders will benefit from the $10.6 million statewide Get Set for Work program.
In the most recent survey of participants three months after leaving the program more than
75 per cent were in work or study.
During 2007/08 the Queensland Government will invest $80 million in this 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.
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.
Contact: Gladstone Area Group Apprentices General Manager Kerry Whitaker
on 4972 5988 or kwhitaker@gagal.com.au
Ministerial Contacts: Nathan Moir 3235 4060
February 04, 2008
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said Gladstone Area Group Apprentices (GAGAL) had been awarded $171,000 to run the skilling project.
“The project is funded under Get Set for Work, an element of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative that aims to reengage young people and get them learning or earning again,” Mr Mickel said.
“It is so much harder to rejoin the workforce later in life if you opt out during your teenage years and there is a much higher risk of long-term welfare reliance or contact with corrective services.
“By catching those who risk falling through the cracks and giving them training, experience and support we give them a better chance of sharing in, and contributing to, Queensland’s prosperity.”
Mr Mickel said the project will recruit participants by linking with local schools and agencies to determine those who would benefit from the program.
“Some teens don’t respond to the traditional schooling environment so Get Set for Work projects offer training in an informal environment and personal support to help participants overcome personal barriers,” he said.
“This project offers a range of targeted assistance which may include literacy and numeracy support, accredited training in skill shortage areas, work experience, and training in life skills, team building, communication skills, resume development and interview techniques.”
GAGAL General Manager Kerry Whitaker said the accredited training could include
boiler-making, fitting and turning, construction, painting, business, IT or First Aid among others.
“Work experience and practical work classes at our technical training centre will form an important part of the training initiative,” Ms Whitaker said.
“Another key element of the project is a range of activities that increase self-esteem, communication, life skills and work etiquette.
“These activities allow participants to develop the confidence to either enter the workforce or return to education or further training with a changed attitude.”
In 2008 over 2000 young Queenslanders will benefit from the $10.6 million statewide Get Set for Work program.
In the most recent survey of participants three months after leaving the program more than
75 per cent were in work or study.
During 2007/08 the Queensland Government will invest $80 million in this 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.
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.
Contact: Gladstone Area Group Apprentices General Manager Kerry Whitaker
on 4972 5988 or kwhitaker@gagal.com.au
Ministerial Contacts: Nathan Moir 3235 4060
February 04, 2008