Skills program helping Ipswich locals into work
More than 480 Ipswich locals are set to benefit from essential on-the-job training under the Palaszczuk Government’s successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said more than $4.5 million was being invested in skills programs to help locals back into the workforce.
“As we deliver Queensland’s plan for economic recovery, this Skilling Queenslanders funding couldn’t have come at a better time,” Mr Madden said.
“In Brassall, BTC Cooperative will take 30 locals through its Work Skills Traineeships program with a Certificate I in Construction up for grabs.
“That’s a $611,000 investment which will open so many doors for those who have struggled to find the right employment opportunities.”
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said construction certification was also on offer at Redbank.
“Career Employment Australia is running a great program in rail restoration which, through Skilling Queenslanders, 15 locals will now participate in,” he said.
“Training is also available at the Swanbank Station restoration project, returning the 117-year-old site and crown jewel of the Pioneer Steam Railway to its former glory.
“More than $620,000 is being invested between the two projects, which will quite literally get locals back on track.”
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said there was some good news for aspiring horticulturalists.
“Five Bridges assists local Indigenous jobseekers in a really practical way, and its Youth Skills program is a fine example,” Ms Howard said.
“Offering both a Certificate II in Horticulture and Vocational Pathways, our $136,000 investment will fund the placement of 20 Ipswich locals.
“Seventy-three per cent of Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants find work or take on further training after completing one of these programs.
“With proven results, I look forward to following the journey of latest recipients.”
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said that more than 5,000 Queenslanders will benefit from the latest round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work.
“Almost 31,000 people have found jobs thanks to participating in a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project since 2015 and we want that number to grow,” said Minister Fentiman.
“Investing in programs like these will open doors to more opportunities for Queenslanders while helping to drive our economy.
“This initiative is part of the Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs plan and will deliver real support to get people back in the workforce.”
The $42 million funding for over 200 projects includes funding for organisations who were successful in receiving a share of the $10 million boost to the program to take on Work Skills trainees announced earlier this month.
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.
For further information visit www.qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders or call 1300 369 935.
