Multimillion dollar training boost for Ipswich jobseekers

More than 900 disadvantaged Ipswich jobseekers will be supported into work with the Palaszczuk Government announcing $70.1 million in funding for its flagship employment and training program today.

Assistant Minister for Treasury and Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program was an important part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“Since 2015, 40,300 Queenslanders have secured a job as a direct result of Skilling Queenslanders for Work,” Ms Mullen said.

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

“This round will see 16 local community organisations share in more than $5.3 million of funding to train local jobseekers in everything from transport to business.”

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said 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.

“Tivoli Social Enterprises has secured funding for projects in construction, hospitality, business and primary industry and will work with 92 jobseekers in Chuwar,” Mr Madden said.

“It’s also full steam ahead for Energy Skills Queensland’s Career Start Rail Skills project, where 26 trainees will get their careers on track with a Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure.”

Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said the Palaszczuk Government was ensuring Queenslanders have the skills they need to get a job.

“There are 90,000 more Queenslanders in jobs now than at the start of the pandemic, and that’s got a lot to do with our record skills and training investment,” Mr McCallum said.

“We know 73 per cent of participants find a job or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project, so this is a program that works.

“Locally, this round has given the green light to Riverview Neighbourhood House Association’s Work in The View project, as well as three projects to be delivered by Challenge Employment and Training Limited that will support 108 jobseekers into work.” 

Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said Ipswich Community Youth Service, Yourtown and The Busy Group were among the local recipients in her community.

“But ultimately, the real winner here is those jobseekers facing significant barriers to securing work,” she said.

“This program offers more than just qualifications, but the wrap-around support that builds confidence in the participants to get their foot in the door and secure work.”

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.

“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,” the Minister said.

“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.

“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is one of the most successful programs of its kind in the country, which is why the Palaszczuk Government is permanently funding it with a commitment of $320 million over four years.”

Jobseekers interested in joining a project can check their eligibility online and find their nearest projects at www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/sqw.

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

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

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Brew 0468 839 551