Skilling Queenslanders for Work
Skilling Queenslanders for Work helps eligible Queenslanders develop skills, gain qualifications and provide direct assistance to enter and stay in the workforce.
The initiative offers 8 programs that deliver training to improve skills and employment opportunities. The programs focus on supporting young people (including those in and transitioned from out-of-home care), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, mature-age job seekers, women re-entering the workforce, veterans and ex-service personnel and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The programs are delivered across the state by community-based organisations, local councils, Parents and Citizens' and Parents and Friends associations.
The programs
Community Work Skills assists disadvantaged Queenslanders to gain nationally recognised skills and qualifications up to a certificate III level.
Work Skills Traineeships funds paid work placements on community, public works and environmental projects for up to six months.
Get Set for Work provides intensive employment and training assistance over a 12 month period to young, disengaged Queenslanders aged 15-19.
Ready for Work assists disadvantaged Queenslanders to transition into the workforce by providing 6-8 week courses focused on job search assistance and training.
Youth Skills provides nationally recognised training and employment support to 15-24 year olds who are engaged with Youth Justice Services or Queensland Corrective Services.
Community Foundation Skills assists disadvantaged Queenslanders with low level language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills to gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to participate successfully in a modern knowledge economy.
Skill Up provides assistance to adults 25 years and older to upskill or reskill in entry level positions in high priority industries to maximise existing and future job opportunities.
First Start provides wage subsidies to local councils and community-based organisations to employ additional trainees. The program offers opportunities to young people and disadvantaged job seekers to gain nationally recognised qualifications and 12 months employment by undertaking a traineeship.
How do I participate?
For individuals:
Recruitment of participants for the programs is arranged through organisations funded to deliver the program.
Programs have been developed to address the training needs of particular groups and participation is based on meeting specific eligibility criteria, in addition to the general criteria below.
Participants:
- are ineligible for Australian Government employment services or assistance, or
- require complementary services because they have significant barriers to learning and employment, or
- have accessed Australian Government services for more than six months and remain unemployed.
For community organisations:
Community organisations with not-for-profit objectives will be able to apply for funding to start projects in local communities across Queensland. Local councils and school Parents and Citizens' and Parents and Friends' associations will be able to apply for funding under some programs.
There are two regular funding rounds held each financial year.
More information
For program funding guidelines, how to apply, approved project lists and other information, visit the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website for more information.
Contact us
Phone 1300 369 935 or email training@desbt.qld.gov.au for more information about Skilling Queenslanders for Work.