Queensland's workforce set for qualification upgrade

The Bligh Government’s new Queensland Skills Plan 2008 will help more Queenslanders gain qualifications and upgrade their skills in order to beat skill shortages.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the new plan was designed to increase the participation rate of Queensland’s workforce.

“Through the Queensland Skills Plan 2008, our Government is addressing the impact of an ageing workforce and labour shortages in key industries and professions—such as engineering, building and construction and health—that are crucial to the state’s growth,” Mr Welford said.

“Existing workers have skills and knowledge gained from on-the-job informal learning that could be officially recognised and help fill skills gaps.

“The successful Skills First program will be expanded to encourage greater recognition of prior learning (RPL) in the trades and other occupations. Skills First was introduced as part of the Queensland Skills Plan in order to streamline skills assessment processes to ensure the assessment is practical, efficient and relevant.

“There are a lot of people in our workforce, particularly in older age groups, that have a lot of practical experience in their industry, but not necessarily the piece of paper that proves they have those skills.

“Through the assessment process, these workers can have their ‘prior learning’ recognised to get their formal qualifications, which may then lead to them being able to take on other roles that help fill the skills gap.”

Mr Welford said the Government’s free career information service, Skilling Solutions Queensland, had partnered with Construction Skills Queensland to develop a Workforce Solutions Centre.

“The centre, in the southern Brisbane suburb of Salisbury, will help support Queensland’s strong economic growth by linking career seekers with potential employers in the building and construction industry,” he said.

“A new Skills Bank, recording a lifetime of training and skills outcomes to improve the recognition of prior learning process, will also be piloted as part of the plan.

“To ensure apprenticeships training and reform remains on track, a Trade Training Advisory Council made up of representatives from industry, unions and training providers will be established. This council will be able to advise on innovative strategies to meet current and future industry needs.”

Mr Welford launched the Queensland Skills Plan 2008 today and will travel to six regional centres to outline the new measures—on 1 September in Mackay; on 2 September in Mount Isa; 3 September in Townsville and Cairns; and 4 September in Rockhampton and Hervey Bay.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000