New funding for state-run training program to help over 8000 Queenslanders secure jobs

The Palaszczuk Government will support more than 8800 disadvantaged Queenslanders into jobs with $70.1 million in funding for its flagship employment and training program announced today.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program was an important part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“As we continue to grow our economy, investing in skills and training will help even more Queenslanders find the right job,” the Premier said.

“Since 2015, more than 40,300 Queenslanders have secured a job as a direct result of Skilling Queenslanders for Work.

“It’s one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country, which is why my government is permanently funding it with a commitment of $320 million over four years.

“The round will fund 279 new projects across the state, including in Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Napranum and Yarrabah.

“It also includes funding for Work Skills Traineeships with the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair and four projects with the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health.”

The Premier said the program would set participants up for future employment.

“There are 90,000 more people in jobs now than there was at the start of the pandemic,” the Premier said.

“It’s so important people keep getting vaccinated so we keep our economy open and keep creating jobs.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the successful organisations displayed a demonstrated commitment to supporting people in their communities to find secure work.

“The funded organisations have tailored their projects to connect local jobseekers with the employers and industries that are looking for more workers in their area,” Ms Farmer said.

“Many also support Queenslanders that face unique challenges when applying for work, including young or mature-age jobseekers, people from different cultural backgrounds or whose first language isn’t English, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, among others.

“Each project offers a range of support to prepare Queenslanders for finding a job, with assistance covering the job application process, general life skills and industry specific training up to a certificate III level available.”

The Migrant Centre Organisation, which took out the Community Training Initiative of the Year at this year’s Queensland Training Awards, has been awarded $222,800 for two projects assisting 80 Gold Coast locals towards careers in community services, early childhood education and care or food processing.

The Brisbane Broncos Building Brighter Futures Program and the Cowboys Dream, Believe, Achieve project in Townsville has also received funding.

“After everything our pharmacies have done throughout the pandemic, I’m pleased to say we have also committed $473,700 to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to support five more Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy projects,” Ms Farmer said.

“This will assist 180 Queenslanders across Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Toowoomba to obtain a Certificate II in Community Pharmacy.”

Minister Farmer said jobseekers interested in joining a project can check their eligibility online and find their nearest projects at desbt.qld.gov.au/training/sqw.

Seventy-three per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project. 

The next funding round will open for applications in February 2022 for projects to get underway from July 2022.

For further information visit qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders or call 1300 369 935. 

ENDS

Media contact:

Jack Harbour (Premier’s office) 0419 620 447

Ben Brew (Minister’s office) 0468 839 551