New start in the new year for Gatton’s early school-leavers

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia is gearing up to help 20 young people who have left school early, or are thinking about leaving early, get set for work in Gatton.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the State Government will fund the Focus 4 the Future project to keep young people on the path to employment and learn more about the different options available to them.

“Thanks to a $100,230 grant from the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative ADRA Australia will offer a variety of accredited training, personal development and job preparation activities.” Mr Mickel said.

“Two intakes will be conducted in 2009 and each group will complete 17 weeks at Gatton Theatre, which has been refurbished with a commercial kitchen, computer training room and dedicated youth space.

“For 15 to 17 year olds, moving into the workforce might seem more attractive than school but the transition isn’t always an easy one and this project will help prepare them to make the best decisions for their futures.

“Changes in the global economy are making the jobs market tougher than it was just a few months ago and young people can be vulnerable because of a lack of experience or training.

“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a key initiative of the Government’s Toward Q2 vision for a fairer, stronger state economy.”

ADRA Australia Project Manager Ngaire Dare said Focus 4 the Future would inform and motivate each group member to choose the best pathway into the workforce.

“We’ll develop a transition plan with each person that looks at the skills they have and the skills they will need in the workforce,” Mrs Dare said.

“Each participant will complete the Course in Skills for the Future as well as modules from the Certificates I in Retail and Information Technology.

“The project also includes team building activities, work experience, driving lessons and training for the participants who are old enough and a hospitality project to introduce them to kitchen operations and table service.”

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.

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

ADRA Australia Project Manager Ngaire Dare on 5462 1104 or pndare@skymesh.com.au

Ministerial contact: 3235 4060

January 7, 2009