Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative Provides Employment Opportunities for Disadvantaged IndividualsSkilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative Provides Employment Opportunities for Disadvantaged Individuals The Queensland government has launched the second round of its $80 million annual Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, providing funding for community organizations to deliver training and employment projects for disadvantaged individuals. Since its inception, the initiative has invested over $743 million into strengthening the Queensland workforce in key sectors such as construction, primary industries, community services, and hospitality. The program targets First Nations people, individuals with disabilities, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, women, and older job seekers. Twin Rivers Community Care Limited, located in Eagleby, has received $1.81 million in funding to deliver three projects that will assist 106 jobseekers in gaining qualifications in construction, hospitality, retail, or workplace skills. Twin Rivers has a proven track record of providing training and support to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, having facilitated employment for approximately 800 Queenslanders. Member of Parliament Melissa McMahon emphasized Twin Rivers’ dedication to community support and encouraged other organizations to participate in the initiative. She highlighted the importance of connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and building stronger communities. Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum acknowledged the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on Queenslanders and the vital role of the initiative in providing support for those seeking employment to improve their livelihoods. He expressed concern about the potential for funding cuts under the LNP, which would hinder the program’s ability to assist vulnerable individuals. Annelise Hellberg, Manager of CARE Services at Twin Rivers, expressed her appreciation for the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, stating that it aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission to equip individuals for success. In the first round of funding for 2024-2025, $44.6 million was awarded to 94 organizations to implement 166 projects across the state. Twin Rivers’ three projects aim to: * Provide training for up to 40 job seekers to gain a Certificate III in Individual Support Services for work in the care sector. * Employ up to 20 individuals with mental health, addiction, or domestic violence issues to obtain a Certificate I in Construction through hands-on experience in building and maintenance. * Employ 46 disadvantaged job seekers to complete a Certificate I in hospitality, retail, or work skills.
- Thousands more Queenslanders can gain skills and find jobs as the second round of the $80 million annual Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative opens for 2024-25.
- Through this life-changing initiative, the Labor Government has committed more than $743 million to strengthen Queensland’s workforce in priority sectors such as construction, primary industries, community services and hospitality.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a Miles Labor Government employment program that funds community organisations across the state to deliver local training and employment projects for disadvantaged Queenslanders, helping them gain the skills and qualifications they need to enter and remain in the workforce.
Community organisations are encouraged to join this initiative to support the state’s most disadvantaged job seekers. Programs across Queensland have supported First Nations people, people with disability, people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, women and older job seekers into employment opportunities that prepare them for life.
Member of Parliament Melissa McMahon announced the opening of the second round of funding during a visit to Twin Rivers Community Care Limited in Eagleby, on behalf of Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum.
Twin Rivers Community Centre has been awarded $1.81 million to deliver three projects to assist 106 jobseekers in the first round of 2024-25 funding from the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The projects include gaining qualifications in construction, hospitality, retail or workplace skills.
Twin Rivers provides training and specialist support to vulnerable and disadvantaged Queenslanders seeking employment. Approximately 800 Queenslanders have been helped to develop the skills they need to find employment.
As Melissa McMahon MP, Member for Macalister, said:
“Twin Rivers is an outstanding example of community focus in practice and the new Miles Labor government is keen to support them in this.
Now that the latest round of funding is open, more organizations can follow Twin Rivers’ lead and be part of something bigger: connecting job seekers with skills and employment while building stronger, more caring communities.
“With continued investment and commitment, we are paving the way for a stronger and more resilient Queensland for everyone.”
As Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum stated:
“We know the cost of living is putting pressure on Queenslanders and this initiative provides vital support to help people find jobs and improve their livelihoods.
“For some this may be their first formal qualification, for others their very first job.
“The social services sector has seen first-hand the damage that LNP cuts can cause and Queenslanders should rightly be asking David Crisafulli serious questions about whether he will make further cuts to this program.”
“With the cost of living rising so much, this initiative is more important than ever. The last thing Queenslanders need is another massive cut to this program by David Crisafulli and the LNP.”
As stated by Manager CARE Services, Annelise Hellberg, Twin Rivers Community Centre:
“Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a smart initiative that aligns perfectly with our vision to connect, develop and equip people for success in all areas of life.
“We are privileged to be able to work with the ministry in this way.”
More information about Skilling Queenslanders for Work:
In the first round of funding for 2024-2025, $44.6 million was awarded to 94 organizations to implement 166 projects across the state.
Twin Rivers Community Centre has been awarded $1.81 million to implement three projects to support 106 job seekers in the first round of 2024-2025, including:
- Community Work Skills’ Equip to Care Project: $144,500 in funding to help up to 40 job seekers gain skills for work in the care sector, including disability care, aged care and health care, and to earn a Certificate III in Individual Support Services, which includes 120 hours of work experience.
- Work Skills Traineeships’ ‘Build and Breath’ project – $517,300 in funding to employ up to 20 people with mental health, alcohol and drug problems or who are experiencing domestic violence to gain a Certificate I in Construction, while carrying out tasks such as helping to build tiny houses, painting, tiling, making planters and park benches and carrying out general repairs at Twin Rivers.
- Work Skills Traineeships ‘Twin Rivers Traineeships 24-25’ project – $1,143,200 (the largest funded project in the state) in funding to employ 46 disadvantaged job seekers to complete a Certificate I in hospitality, retail or work skills.
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