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Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding now open to boost ECEC numbers
Freya Lucas
Feb 10, 2023
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Funding for Skilling Queenslanders for Work is now open, with $629 million being committed to the initiative which continues to deliver valuable support that benefit individuals, businesses and communities across the state as it opens its first funding round for the 2023-24 financial year.
Many sectors and industries, including the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, are facing workforce shortages, seeking support to meet their staffing needs across the state of Queensland.The initiative aims to reach out to groups who are under-represented in the workforce and train them for new job opportunities, unlocking more potential in the state.
To date, Skilling Queenslanders for Work has helped over 47,000 Queenslanders into jobs, and is said to be the most successful program of its kind in the nation.
Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said organisations committed to improving skills development and work opportunities for disadvantaged Queenslanders now have eight weeks to apply.
Ms Farmer said a recent survey of participants highlights the initiative’s success.
“76 per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after completing a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program,” Ms Farmer said.
“We are looking for new and innovative ideas that will see vulnerable Queenslanders across the state receive the support they need to find meaningful work.”
Through a suite of targeted skills and training programs, Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides skills development, training and job opportunities for:
- Young people
- Mature-age job seekers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- People with disability
- Women re-entering the workforce
- Veterans
- Recently released prisoners
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“It not only benefits the state by delivering job-ready staff to employers, but it also ensures those looking for work have pathways to assist them,” Ms Farmer said.
“The initiative supports many focus areas from the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, which aims to attract, connect and educate a thriving workforce to set our state up for success now and into the future.”
The Queensland Government is now calling for project applications from its current providers and interested community-based organisations that can deliver career advice, job preparation skills, foundation skills and individual case management, so Queenslanders can confidently join the workforce.
The funding application round will close on 30 March 2023.
For further information visit, www.qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders or call 1300 369 935.
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