More than $2.2 million to assist 178 people from Central Queensland

The Queensland Government has committed more than $2.2 million from its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist 178 people from Central Queensland, which has been welcomed by local Labor MPs in Gladstone and Rockhampton.

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.”

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said he was thrilled to see Gladstone Area Group Ltd receive funding under the program.

“$429,500 is going directly toward assisting 20 people into work, through the Ignite Your Opportunities project, which has a proven track record of creating good jobs,” he said.

Rockhampton MP Barry O’Rourke welcomed funding for Multicultural Australia, in Kawana.

“I’m proud to be part of a Government which, in this case, is helping to create or support nearly 30 (26) jobs, thanks to $122,300 in funding.”

Keppel MP Brittany Lauga said this round of announcements is more evidence that the Palaszcuk Government is serious about jobs in Central Queensland.

“It’s fantastic to see that more than 170 people will be assisted through this initiative; I can’t think of a better Christmas present for locals!”

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