$40 million pumped into arming workers with skills for life
The jobs are there for the taking and new funding from both the state and federal governments come at the perfect time in assisting to rebuild the local economy.
New funding for local projects
The Palaszczuk and Albanese Governments have announced funding for another $40 million worth of community-based projects to support unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders.
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 opened earlier this week.
“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,” she 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.
Arming states workers with life changing skills
Acting Minister Linard said the network of community organisations were continuing to deliver effective projects across the state.
“We are supporting tailored assistance that suits local people and sets them up to pursue jobs in key local industries.
“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.
Skills program sets workers up for future development
Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training, and job opportunities for unemployed, 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.
Applicants 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.