More than 2,000 Queensland jobseekers will undertake training with the green light given to more than 80 community projects under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) initiative.
On Friday Minister for Training and Skills Development, the Hon. Di Farmer, announced the successful projects that will share in the $13.7 million SQW funding.
The second funding round for 2020-21 brings the total SQW investment for the financial year to more than $55.8 million for 284 projects that will provide training and assistance to a total of more than 7,400 jobseekers.
“The new projects will deliver community-based support to jobseekers from Cape York through to Western Queensland and the Granite Belt to the coastal areas stretching from Kuranda to Currumbin,” Minister Farmer said.
“The jobseekers will receive practical training in areas ranging from hospitality and business to construction, rail infrastructure, community services and conservation and land management in addition to those important life and work skills needed to secure ongoing work.”
“The Congeau House Project on Bribie Island, run by the Youth Development Foundation, will employ 20 disadvantaged jobseekers as construction trainees to undertake minor renovation works at the historic holiday house,” she shared.
“This project is a win-win for the local Bongaree community, providing employment and training while improving a local landmark.”
Minister Farmer said the organisations that have secured funding in this round include social enterprises, refugee support groups and ethnic community and Indigenous associations.
“For example, Tivoli Social Enterprises Limited has received funding to train 12 job seekers in Certificate I in Construction while they upgrade the Relief Centre at the Tivoli Drive-in,” she commented.
“SQW projects support a number of social enterprises that bring specialist support and employment opportunities for people who face disadvantages when applying for work.”
Minister Farmer further detailed that more than 56,000 people have been skilled for work since 2015, with more than 34,000 people finding a job as a direct result of participating in SQW projects or traineeships. She said that the projects connect jobseekers with the training and support they need to secure long-term employment.
“We know that every dollar invested in Skilling Queenslanders for Work generates almost eight dollars in return, so it’s a great investment for Queensland,” Minister Farmer said.
SQW 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, including the full list of projects, is available at www.qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders or call 1300 369 935.
