Published Monday, 02 February, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Barrier Reef TAFE trains long-term unemployed
A new program to provide intensive training for long-term jobseekers has been officially launched in Townsville today as part of the Bligh Government’s latest attack on unemployment.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today launched the FUTURES training program at the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE as part of the 13th Bligh Government Community Cabinet.
“The FUTURES program has been developed by Barrier Reef TAFE in collaboration with local industry and the Department of Housing to offer targeted, practical skills training to the long-term unemployed,” Mr Welford said.
“It aims to increase the employability of disadvantaged job seekers and directly address skills shortages in construction and related trades, such as carpentry and engineering, in north Queensland.”
Mr Welford said 28 long-term unemployed people from the Townsville area had returned to the Barrier Reef Institute today for the first day of term.
“The students, who started in November, have already successfully completed four weeks of work readiness training covering literacy, numeracy and communication,” he said.
“This is a 28-week block of intensive practical training, which will bring their skills up to the level of a first or second-year apprentice in carpentry and other trades.
“They have also successfully completed workplace health and safety training and all the students now hold construction blue cards.”
Mr Welford said the final stage of the program involved up to 240 hours of practical placement on a suitable work site.
“All of the carpentry students have secured vocational placement with a local employer and the majority of the engineering students are now placed with employers following very positive responses,” he said.
Mr Welford said local industry deserved praise for throwing its support behind the FUTURES program.
“The Bligh Government is working in partnership with local industries to keep and create jobs in these tough economic times,” he said.
“Their support has been vital to this program and I understand local businesses have already committed to offering apprenticeships to at least half the group.
“FUTURES is about these students building new skills and connecting with local employers.
“My congratulations go to all of these students for taking hold of this life-changing opportunity and running with it.”
The $464,000 program is being funded by the Departments of Housing; Employment and Industrial Relations; and Education, Training and the Arts; and Construction Skills Queensland.
Mr Welford said about 2800 students would begin their studies at Barrier Reef TAFE on Monday.
Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today launched the FUTURES training program at the Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE as part of the 13th Bligh Government Community Cabinet.
“The FUTURES program has been developed by Barrier Reef TAFE in collaboration with local industry and the Department of Housing to offer targeted, practical skills training to the long-term unemployed,” Mr Welford said.
“It aims to increase the employability of disadvantaged job seekers and directly address skills shortages in construction and related trades, such as carpentry and engineering, in north Queensland.”
Mr Welford said 28 long-term unemployed people from the Townsville area had returned to the Barrier Reef Institute today for the first day of term.
“The students, who started in November, have already successfully completed four weeks of work readiness training covering literacy, numeracy and communication,” he said.
“This is a 28-week block of intensive practical training, which will bring their skills up to the level of a first or second-year apprentice in carpentry and other trades.
“They have also successfully completed workplace health and safety training and all the students now hold construction blue cards.”
Mr Welford said the final stage of the program involved up to 240 hours of practical placement on a suitable work site.
“All of the carpentry students have secured vocational placement with a local employer and the majority of the engineering students are now placed with employers following very positive responses,” he said.
Mr Welford said local industry deserved praise for throwing its support behind the FUTURES program.
“The Bligh Government is working in partnership with local industries to keep and create jobs in these tough economic times,” he said.
“Their support has been vital to this program and I understand local businesses have already committed to offering apprenticeships to at least half the group.
“FUTURES is about these students building new skills and connecting with local employers.
“My congratulations go to all of these students for taking hold of this life-changing opportunity and running with it.”
The $464,000 program is being funded by the Departments of Housing; Employment and Industrial Relations; and Education, Training and the Arts; and Construction Skills Queensland.
Mr Welford said about 2800 students would begin their studies at Barrier Reef TAFE on Monday.
Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000