TEENS GET BACK ON TRACK IN WARWICK

Seven early school leavers from Warwick will tomorrow celebrate their newfound skills and confidence gained through a Queensland Government funded project.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the seven took part in a $108,000 Get Set for Work project run by the Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA).

“The Queensland Government has teamed up with these teenagers and SDIEA to work toward the Q2 vision of a stronger smarter state,” said Mr Mickel.

“Get Set for Work is a $10.6 million program designed to catch young people before they slip through gaps in the schooling system and give them an opportunity to build strong career prospects for themselves.

“This is the second graduation of a project that has helped eighteen young people over the last twelve months.

“This project gave participants a wide variety of experiences designed to engage their minds which included trade activities, art and horticulture.

“They also got personal support to decide on their future aims and ambitions and, with the help of SDIEA staff, worked out how to set out achieving them.

“At least one day a week participants did work experience at local businesses which gave them vital recent work experience that so many employers look for.”

The graduation dinner will begin at 6:30 pm on Friday November 14 at Abbey of the Roses restaurant, 8 Lock Street, Warwick.

SDIEA Manager Jackie Robertson said that four participants have already found work as a result of taking part in Get Set for Work.

“Two participants have secured traineeships and two have found part-time work,” Ms Robertson said.

“One participant has decided to return to school and will work towards a career in mechanics.

“The teenage years can be particularly difficult with so many options and pressures on young people.

“This project aims to offer experiences that build confidence, demystify career pathways and increase skills.”

Get Set for Work is part of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

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 employment and training assistance 71 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.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work also supports the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 vision of a stronger, fairer Queensland where disadvantaged people can access assistance to overcome employment barriers.

For more information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925

SDIEA contact: Manager Jackie Roberston on 4666 9218 or jackie.robertson@eq.edu.au

Ministerial Contact: Jane Rowe on 3237 1125 or David Robertson on 3237 8842

November 13, 2008