Skilling Queenslanders for Work: funding now open

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer has opened the next funding round of the now permanent Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

The flagship program, which helps Queenslanders to gain the skills they need to join the workforce, has already helped over 36,000 people into jobs.

Minister Farmer visited Twin Rivers Community Care’s Going Forwards project in Eagleby to announce the funding was now open.

“Skilling Queenslanders for Work has already assisted more than 36,000 people into jobs, and eligible community-based not-for-profit organisations can start submitting project applications now,” Minister Farmer said.

“The Palaszczuk Government put investing in skills at the heart of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and here is the perfect example of delivering on our promises: we’ve made this fantastic initiative permanent with funding of $80 million a year.

“We are making this investment because we know this program really works. Seventy-three per cent of participants go into employment or further training, making it one of the most successful programs of its kind.

“We are also launching two new Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs, Community Foundation Skills and Skill Up.

“Community Foundation Skills will support people to build their language, literacy and numeracy skills to get prepared for further study or to enter the workforce. Affordable foundation skills training is critical to breaking cycles of poverty, joblessness, and intergenerational disadvantage.

“Skill Up will target workers needing to refresh or pivot their skills to secure a job, and those who have had extended times away from employment. It will also provide industry focused training to help people get started on new career paths.

“In addition to these new programs our current programs - Get Set for Work, Youth Skills, Ready for Work, Community Work Skills, First Start and Work Skills Traineeships – will continue to provide opportunities for people from a range of backgrounds.

“Twin Rivers Community Care has secured funding for 14 projects since Skilling Queenslanders for Work was reintroduced in July 2015 and I know it is keen to do more to assist other jobseekers in their community.

“I’ve had the privilege of visiting lots of different Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects and I am so excited to see what the next round of funding helps to create.

“Interested organisations can check their eligibility and review the program guidelines online now and have until 5pm on Thursday 19 August to submit their applications.

“The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training will also be conducting information sessions around the state to highlight regional priorities, provide more detail on each program and answer questions.”

Member for Macalister, Melissa McMahon MP, said that Skilling Queenslanders for Work was changing lives.

“Local organisations like Twin Rivers are focused on delivering training that meets the needs of local residents and businesses.

“It’s really setting our community up for success now and in the future.”

Twin Rivers Community Care Manager Annelise Hellberg said the Going Forwards project aimed to assist people from a variety of backgrounds and had already assisted 12 people who found new jobs.

“Through this project participants gain real hands-on experience, complete a certificate I level qualification in their field and we also work on a range of job readiness skills to ensure their resumes are looking good and they can feel confident when they go for a job interview or start in a new workplace,” Ms Hellberg said.

“We’ve worked with young people looking for their first job through to older people who are getting back into the workforce after caring for family members or who need to switch to a new career path.

“The extra support and guidance we can offer through our Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects is a big help to people who are nervous or unsure about getting back into a classroom."

Skilling Queenslanders for Work aims to offer targeted support for young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, mature-age jobseekers, women re-entering the workforce, people from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, recently released prisoners and veterans or ex-service personnel.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training, and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged, or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs. 

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training will hold online and in-person information sessions that will cover each program and the application process. 

For further information, including program guidelines, eligibility criteria and the application portal visit www.qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders or call 1300 369 935.

Media contact: Kate Talbot 0439 803 211