Maroochy Centre generates community work experience

Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre has given a group of 10 newly-arrived migrants and mature-aged jobseekers new skills and the paid work experience thanks to the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

All 10 will graduate tomorrow from the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre’s EMERGE work placement project thanks to a grant of $139,900 under the initiative.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the work placements students undertake are a fabulous opportunity for the many different groups of people on the Sunshine Coast to develop new careers.

“Work placements are an excellent opportunity for jobseekers to develop practical skills and receive first-hand understanding of how Australian workplaces operate,” Mr Mickel said.

“Over 16 weeks graduates had the opportunity to work in administrative roles with both State Government and community organisations. “

Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Manager Michael Henning said the centre has had tremendous success in sourcing host organisations that are prepared to put the effort into training people while giving them the skills and confidence they need to make their mark in the workforce.

“Building relationships and networks is a very important part of work placement projects and so far one woman has been offered a part-time contract with her host organisation and it won’t be too long before the others follow suit,” he said.

“The EMERGE project has also given this group the confidence to create their own employment possibilities but most importantly it has given them the opportunity to broaden their social network.”

The graduation will take place onsite at the Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre

5^th Avenue, Cotton Tree at midday on Wednesday 10 December.

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 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 21^st Century.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work supports the Government’s Toward Q2 vision of a strong and fair Queensland.

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

Contact: Maroochy Neighbourhood Centre Coordinator Julie Lusk

on 5443 6696 or cjp@maroochync.org.au

Ministerial contact: David Robertson on 3235 4060

December 9, 2008