The Queensland Government is initiating a significant investment of $51.7 million to support up to 7,020 vulnerable job seekers across the state.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work is one of the Government’s most successful job creating initiatives – assisting unemployed and underemployed Queenslanders to gain skills, qualifications and experience to either enter or remain in the workforce.
In Mackay, organisations such as Community Solutions Group, Selectability and Ideal Placements will receive grants, aligning with the government's commitment to fostering a skilled workforce and providing tailored opportunities for marginalised individuals throughout the region.
The organisations will be able to use the funding towards building Community Work Skills, to assist disadvantaged job seekers and low skilled workers to gain nationally recognised skills and qualifications up to a certificate III level.
More than $684 million has been committed to the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative since 2015.
This major investment has helped to secure the workforce of industries like construction, primary industries, hospitality and community services.
In this new round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work, 225 community-based organisations will receive grants to help participants to overcome barriers such as social isolation, learning difficulties and mental health, while providing the skills and experience necessary to transition them to further education and employment.
Round one funding for 2023-24 saw $39.6 million awarded for 162 projects to support more than 5300 disadvantaged Queenslanders into the workforce.
The first Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding round for 2024–25 will open on 29 January 2024.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum said that Queensland businesses need skilled employees across the board, and we are committed to delivering the training needed in areas of demand.
“The Skilling Queenslanders for Work program is one of our government’s most successful job creating initiatives, so I’m pleased to announce more than $51 million towards the next round of projects.
“This funding will see 7,020 job seekers supported to find work, particularly in priority industries like healthcare and tourism.
“The organisations receiving fundings understand their communities and their workforce needs and can make vital connections between job seekers and employers.
“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is helping people overcome the barriers to participation, to acquire new and in-demand skills.
“More than half of all participants are young people aged 15-24, almost 1 in 5 identify as First Nations, and more than 12 per cent of participants are people with disability.”
Minister for Tourism and Sport Michael Healy said the tourism and hospitality sector is crying out for more talented workers of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.
“The Skilling Queenslanders for Work program plays a vital role in creating good job opportunities for those who’ve found it tough to find work.
“These Queenslanders come out the other side with the skills and confidence they need to help tourism operators thrive and attract more visitors to the state.”
Queensland's Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative receives a $51.7 million investment. Selectability is among organisations in Mackay to receive funding to play a pivotal role in providing tailored opportunities for job seekers
