More Central Queensland students begin training

The number of Central Queensland students in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships is increasing strongly, Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said in Rockhampton today.

“The latest available figures show student participation in these programs has risen by more than a third – from 617 students to 831 – between 2005 and 2007,” Mr Welford said.

“School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are a win-win for young people, their parents and employers. It’s great to see local industry and commerce getting behind programs so enthusiastically.

“School-based apprenticeships and traineeships give senior students the opportunity to work for an employer, train towards a recognised qualification and complete their secondary school studies.

“Our Government is committed to ensuring Queensland moves even further ahead of other states in the uptake of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships. Currently we lead Australia, with more than 40 per cent of all commencements occurring in our state.

“With traditional trades the worst hit by skill shortages, it’s pleasing that high numbers of students are choosing careers in carpentry, electrical and mechanical engineering.”

In Rockhampton to launch the Queensland Skills Plan 2008, Mr Welford said the Government was determined to find new ways to increase skills of individual workers, as well as address changed labour market conditions since 2006 which the original Queensland Skills Plan was introduced.

“Our revitalised plan targets skill shortages among key professions like engineering and nursing, as well as introducing measures to engage more unemployed or under-employed Queenslanders in a tight workforce,” he said.

“For example, to help meet the need for more engineering associate professionals, we’re funding 450 training places over a four-year period. This program is being developed in close collaboration with the engineering industry.”

Other key measures and strategies include:

• A new program to help young people aged 18-24 secure work, including paid work placements, job preparation assistance and accredited training;
• A pathway into mining sector employment for 240 Indigenous Queenslanders through subsidised pre-vocational training (partnering Queensland Resource Council);
• Expanding the successful Get Set for Work program, which assists young people at risk of falling through gaps, by extending employment assistance to 19-year-olds; and
• Involving industry to a greater degree in the development of vocational training programs; TAFE teachers to spend time with local industry to increase skill levels.

To download a copy of the Queensland Skills Plan 2008, go to www.deta.qld.gov.au/skillsplan

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 0419 734 985