Palaszczuk Government fund to kickstart Townsville trade careers

A brand new, employment based, pre-apprenticeship pathway will help Townsville locals kickstart their engineering careers as part of a $25 million investment from the Palaszczuk Government.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Support program, which will extend several existing programs as well as introducing the new pathway, will help hundreds of Queenslanders secure the training they need for the job they want.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the new pathway, which will be delivered with Group Training Organisations (GTOs), will not only help people get into apprenticeships, but to complete them too.

“Businesses right across Townsville are crying out for workers, which is why investing in skills is a key priority of the Palaszczuk Government’s $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Minister Farmer said.

“There’s more than $1 billion for training and skills this year alone, as we know that if you get the right training, you’re much more likely to get the right job.

“For this new pre apprenticeship pathway we are working with seven GTOs who will recruit and train 301 people aged between 15 to 24 years old to complete a certificate I level qualification in construction, engineering, or hospitality.

Member for Townsville and Minister for Resources, Scott Stewart, said TORGAS was one of the Group Training Organisations (GTOs) being funded through the GTO Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“TORGAS will recruit, screen and induct 12 people here in Townsville and provide tailored support to the participants to prepare them for working in engineering, including gaining some initial skills and hands-on experience through a paid traineeship studying a Certificate I in Engineering,” Minister Stewart said.

“Participants will complete training and work within the Certificate I following the Enhanced Pathways Program model, so they can transition into an apprenticeship ready to start work with an employer from day one.”

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said those who complete the program will be supported to transition into a subsequent apprenticeship, either employed by the GTO or with another employer.

“This pathway allows people to explore the different options open to them before embarking on an apprenticeship, meaning when they do take that step, they’re much more likely to successfully complete it,” Mr Harper said.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the program would encourage North Queensland businesses to back locals.

“We know the kind of talent people in Townsville have across the broad spectrum of trades, and this program will not only help to foster that talent within our young people, but also make sure they’re on the right path before they’ve stepped into an apprenticeship,” Mr Walker said.

TORGAS Group Training Manager Darren Carlson said the program would support local jobs by giving host employers more confidence to hire first year apprentices.

“It can be daunting for anyone to begin an apprenticeship but through this program, apprentices will already have had 13 weeks of training and work experience, tailored to their industry, before they even begin their first full year,” said Mr Carlson.

“This will give new apprentices the ability to hit the ground running when they get to work.

“It will also give Townsville host employers the confidence that the apprentice they’re taking on has gained relevant experience and knowledge before they set foot on site, making first year apprentices safer and more valuable employees from their first day.”

Minister Farmer said the six other funded GTOs will support participants across South East Queensland, Toowoomba, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Bundaberg.

“This is one part of the Queensland Government’s two-year, $25 million Pre-apprenticeship Support program, which is also increasing support for existing programs that support people looking to start a trade career or want to advance in their current trade,” Minister Farmer said.

“Registered Trade Skills Pathways and Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training provide complementary pathways for people who have experience in an industry to earn a recognised qualification that will help them take the next steps on their career paths,” Minister Farmer said.

“For young people just starting out, SchoolTech is a successful school-based vocational education and training program led by TAFE Queensland and Woree State High School in Cairns.

“The Palaszczuk Government is also expanding assistance through Queensland’s Out of Trade Register, which the Apprentice Employment Network administers.”

Minister Farmer said Queensland needs to attract, train and retain more skilled workers so industries that are growing now, and in the future, can call on a job ready workforce and increase our economic productivity.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Support Program is funded through the $200 million Future Skills Fund. For further information visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/future-skills-fund or call 1300 369 935.

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211