More than $2.4 million to assist 488 people from North Queensland

The Queensland Government has committed $2.4 million from its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist 488 people from North Queensland. 

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said this was part of more than $31 million committed to assist 5,247 people across the state.

“More than 46,600 people in the state have found jobs thanks to Skilling Queenslanders for Work and it’s great to see how these projects will help even more people,” Minister Farmer said.

"We know this initiative is life changing because 76 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

“The initiative funds community-based organisations who tailor their programs to suit local conditions, understand where opportunities and local employer needs are.

“Tailored, local community-based support is offered to young people, mature-age job seekers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women re-entering the workforce, Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans, recently released prisoners; and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”

Minister Farmer said projects to be funded include:

• Selectability’s Workforce Ready NQ project to be delivered Ayr, Bowen, Ingham, Lissner and Vincent, which will assist 70 people thanks to $287,700. 
• Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare’s Townsville Environmental Resilience 2023 project, which will assist eight people thanks to $243,000. 
• Queensland Youth Connections’ Connect 4 Project, which will assist 40 people thanks to $44,300. 

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said helping people find a job was what the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program was all about.

“The projects connect jobseekers with the training and support they need to secure long-term employment,” Mr Stewart said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said he was thrilled to see almost 500 people being helped through the program.

“We know there is dignity in work and finding a good job and Skilling Queenslanders for Work has shown for a long time how successful it is in Townsville,” Mr Harper said.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the program had been embraced by participants and organisations.

“We know many businesses in Townsville need workers so it’s important people have the skills to take on these roles which they gain from Skilling Queenslanders for Work,” he said.

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.  

Minister Farmer said the initiative is another way of giving people the jobs, training and skills they need while helping them stay in their communities.

“The initiative supports many focus areas from Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, which aims to attract, connect and educate a thriving workforce to set our state up for success now and into the future.”

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

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Ministerial media contact: Nicola Field 0497 940 285