Published Thursday, 21 February, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
Roma teens explore future options
Eight Roma teenagers considering the next step in their future will begin a $52,000 state government funded Get Set for Work project to encourage good choices and inspire an interest in the workforce.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the project is an effective means for participants to explore options for their future through practical experience and individualised learning.
“Although traditional schooling has its merits, it is often difficult for students to get a realistic perspective of the workforce,” Mr Mickel said.
“This can compel young people to leave school without direction and potentially lead to long-term unemployment.
“To address this issue Get Set for Work projects are specifically designed to assist young people during this problematic time and offer them the opportunity to explore an occupation or career path they find stimulating.”
Spiritus Care Services Executive Director Don Luke said an initial assessment will identify pre-existing barriers to employment or further study and ascertain personal interests to determine suitable employment options.
“Spiritus Care Services will provide a stimulated learning environment with a range of activities for a variety of interests,” Mr Luke said.
“Internal support services will be available to participants including Mental Health Family Support Service, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Youth Support Coordinator.
“Post-placement support will continue for six months through regular phone contact, personal visits and meetings with employers.”
In 2008 over 2000 ‘at risk’ 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 Spiritus Care Services Executive Director Don Luke on 421 2800 or info@spiritus.org.au
Ministerial Contacts: Nathan Moir on 3235 4060
February 21, 2008
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the project is an effective means for participants to explore options for their future through practical experience and individualised learning.
“Although traditional schooling has its merits, it is often difficult for students to get a realistic perspective of the workforce,” Mr Mickel said.
“This can compel young people to leave school without direction and potentially lead to long-term unemployment.
“To address this issue Get Set for Work projects are specifically designed to assist young people during this problematic time and offer them the opportunity to explore an occupation or career path they find stimulating.”
Spiritus Care Services Executive Director Don Luke said an initial assessment will identify pre-existing barriers to employment or further study and ascertain personal interests to determine suitable employment options.
“Spiritus Care Services will provide a stimulated learning environment with a range of activities for a variety of interests,” Mr Luke said.
“Internal support services will be available to participants including Mental Health Family Support Service, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Youth Support Coordinator.
“Post-placement support will continue for six months through regular phone contact, personal visits and meetings with employers.”
In 2008 over 2000 ‘at risk’ 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 Spiritus Care Services Executive Director Don Luke on 421 2800 or info@spiritus.org.au
Ministerial Contacts: Nathan Moir on 3235 4060
February 21, 2008