Mackay graduates celebrate new skills

Twenty newly skilled Mackay jobseekers are now ready for work after completing a Queensland Government funded employment project.

The group had 16-weeks of paid work and accredited training in industries with skills shortages.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said this is the first group of jobseekers to graduate under the $392,000 Skilling Queenslanders for Work project which is run by Skills Training Mackay.

“Next year another 30 people will get personalised employment education through the same project.”

The work placements were split into two groups; the first group of 10 did on-the-job construction work and helped upgraded community facilities.

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the group did I great job expending a walking path near the Slade Point Primary School, a new bike walkway between sporting fields at Theo Hanson Park and a concrete drain at Harney Street.

“The other 10 jobseekers had paid work with community-focused host organisations in administration, horticulture or retail.

“Although current challenging times could see a rise in unemployment, skills shortages are likely to remain – especially in these industries.

“Because of this everyone is now well placed to turn their experiences toward a long-term career,” Mr Mulherin said.

Skills Training Mackay Programs Coordinator Karen Franzmann said the on-the-job learning was backed up by accredited training and personal support to develop resumes and apply for jobs.

“All participating jobseekers received their Senior First Aid certificates and other accredited training relevant to their personal skilling area,” Mrs Franzmann said.

“Even though the project has only just finished, five group members have already found work and we expect this number will increase in the new year.

“It is especially rewarding to see the group overcome personal hurdles and develop the confidence they will need to enter the workforce,” Mrs Franzmann said.

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 supports the Government’s Toward Q2 vision of a fairer, stronger 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.

The graduation will take place at Langfords Hotel, Tennyson Street, Mackay at 6:30pm on 11 December 2008.

Contact: Skills Training Mackay Association Programs Coordinator Karen Franzmann on 4963 2700 or programs@skillstm.com.au

Member for Mackay contact: 4957 8422

Ministerial contact: David Robertson on 3235 4060

December 10, 2008