QLD Premier offers fully subsidised ECEC apprenticeships

Queensland Premier Anna Palaszczuk has announced 139 fully subsidised apprenticeships and traineeships in industries and sectors showing a high demand for workers, including early childhood education and care (ECEC). 

Announced as part of a series of programs and initiatives, known as Great Training for Quality Jobs, the Skills for Queensland plan will target critical skills needs that address current skills shortages, the new skills needed for existing jobs, emerging opportunities brought about by technology advances, and regional and state-wide priorities.

Ms Palaszczuk was joined at the launch by Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman, who said “We need to plan for the future of Queensland and ensure we have the skilled workers we need now and for the emerging industries (and sectors).”

“This investment in free apprenticeships will support local businesses to be able to take on more apprentices and trainees – we are backing their business to grow.”

As a consequence of the newly implemented plan, expenses previously borne by businesses, in relation to trainees and apprentices, will be removed “to support businesses to be able to take on more apprentices and trainees,” Ms Fentiman said. 

Changes in the initiative which relate to ECEC include:

• Review and expansion of the Gateway to Industry Schools program so that school students can train in emerging and innovative industries

• A government-endorsed Skills Assure system for students and employers to have confidence in a quality training experience

• A new Link and Launch pilot to target youth hot spots and provide seamless access to government programs like the successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work or Back to Work

• A new Ministerial Roundtable to ensure government hears industry input to skills investment priorities first‑hand

• New regional jobs committees to bring together local industry groups, training providers, local and major employers, and councils to help plan local training.

The Skills for Queensland plan will also support the ongoing sustainability of the public providers to ensure Queensland’s training system is inclusive and accessible to all with stronger investment in social infrastructure that offers state of the art training facilities.

“This is a plan that will strengthen connections to regional communities and embrace new opportunities and partnerships with industry, employers and small business so more Queenslanders can have access to the skills they need to get a job and build a career,” Ms Fentiman said.

Further information is available here. For a full list of free apprenticeships, please see here.