Life changing skills program opens $40M funding round for new projects

The Palaszczuk and Albanese Governments are ready to fund another $40 million worth of community-based projects to support unemployed and underemployed Queenlanders to join the state’s workforce and build rewarding careers.

Acting Minister for Employment and Small Business and Acting Minister for Training and Skills Development Leanne Linard said applications for the next Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding round would open on Monday 1 August.

“6400 Queenslanders have already benefitted from this life changing program this year, and we are looking for new projects that will support even more people across the state,” Acting Minister Linard said.

“This program has dual benefits for Queensland, by delivering job ready staff to employers and by ensuring people looking for jobs have pathways that will assist them to take on more productive roles.

“We are so proud of the fantastic record Skilling Queenslanders for Work has built, with more than 44,100 participants gaining employment since the Palaszczuk reinstated the program in July 2015,” Acting Minister Linard said.

“A survey of past participants found 76 per cent were working or in further training around 12 months after they exited their Skilling Queenslanders for Work project.”

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s has a project which is assisting 26 disadvantaged job seekers to gain skills and experience to equip them for sustainable employment within the community pharmacy industry.

Gold Coast resident Ruth Michelmore, 64, said completing the seven-week Certificate II in Community Pharmacy and industry placement changed her life.

“I have met the most wonderful people, made lifelong friends, learnt so much about myself and gained confidence in my ability,” Ms Michelmore said.

“I highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking for a rewarding career no matter what age you are.” 

Ruth has secured part time employment at her local chemist and is furthering her study with a Certificate lll in Community Pharmacy.

Acting Minister Linard said an amazing network of community organisations deliver projects across the state — from the Torres Strait Islands, Camooweal on the Northern Territory border and through our major towns and regions to the New South Wales border.

“We are supporting tailored assistance that suits local people and sets them up to pursue jobs in key local industries,” Acting Minister Linard said.

“In addition to offering local assistance Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects can focus on assisting particular groups of people who face real barriers when they apply for jobs. This can include young people, mature-age jobseekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds, women re-entering the workforce, people with disability or veterans and ex-service personnel.

“Providing people with a supportive environment to improve their job preparation skills, study a qualification, or gain some real-world experience will unlock new opportunities for participants and support businesses looking for new job ready applicants to join their staff.

“The Palaszczuk Government has made Skilling Queenslanders for Work a permanent program with an annual budget of $80 million to support thousands of people.”

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.

This funding round will include an additional $10 million from the Small Business Recovery and Resilience Package, which is part of the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments’ joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said it was part of the long-term support provided to flood-affected communities.

“This will fund Work Skills Traineeships projects in local government areas that were designated as flood affected,” Minister Watt said.

“It will continue the recovery and regrowth of these communities and improve their resilience, while providing great opportunities for the future.”

Acting Minister Linard said interested organisations can review the funding guidelines and application process via the Skilling Queenslanders for Work applications portal at www.qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders. The application window will be open until Thursday 22 September 2022.

For further information visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/sqw or call 1300 369 935.

Information on disaster assistance can be found on the National Recovery and Resilience Agency’s website at www.recovery.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Emma Renwick 0456 604 189