Care for a carer on the Sunshine Coast

The Queensland State Government continues their push for tomorrow’s Queensland today with funding of training and job preparation to groom 28 Sunshine Coast jobseekers for work in the caring sector.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said Community Solutions would run the $173,828 Skilling Queenslanders for Work project.

“As our population ages we are going to need more people to work as carers,” Mr Mickel said.

“Many employers in these industries offer flexible work arrangements, which are ideal for mature-age people or parents and carers wanting to return to work.”

Community Solutions General Manager David Curd said the project will prepare people for jobs in aged care, child care and disability care.

“All participants will undertake entry-level accredited training in these areas through TAFE Queensland at Nambour,” Mr Curd said.

“Participants will also do site visits to real world caring organisations to increase their knowledge and enhance employment opportunities.

“Community Solutions will provide job preparation training and help participants create resumes, apply for jobs and do well at interviews.

“The project includes post-participation support which will give participants access to our staff and resources to help them find work after the project ends.”

During 2008/09 the Queensland Government will invest $80 million in the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to give an estimated 15,000 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 assistance 71 per cent of participants are in employment or further training.

The 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.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work supports the State Government’s Toward Q2 vision of a stronger, fairer Queensland with impoved employment opportunities for disadvantaged Queenslanders.

For more information on Skilling Queenslanders for Work visit www.employment.qld.gov.auor call 1300 369 925

Contact: Community Solutions General Manager David Curd on 5437 9499 or dcurd@community-solutions.com.au.

Ministerial Contact: Jane Rowe on 3237 1125 or David Robertson 3235 4060

November 7, 2008