Thousands more Queenslanders are set to gain skills and secure jobs with the second 2024–25 round of the annually funded $80 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative now open.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work is an employment program that funds community organisations across the state to deliver local training and employment projects to disadvantaged Queenslanders, to assist them in gaining the skills and qualifications they need to enter the workforce and stay in it.
MP Melissa McMahon (pictured, centre) announced the opening of the second funding round while visiting Twin Rivers Community Care Limited in Eagleby, on behalf of Queensland’s Training and Skills Development Minister Lance McCallum.
Twin Rivers Community Centre was awarded $1.81 million to deliver three projects to assist 106 job seekers in the first 2024-25 funding round of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The projects include gaining qualifications in construction, hospitality, retail services or workplace skills.
Twin Rivers provides training and specialised wrap-around support to vulnerable and disadvantaged Queenslanders looking for work – having assisted around 800 locals develop the skills they need to secure employment.
“Twin Rivers is an extraordinary example of community focus in practice, and the new Miles Labor Government couldn’t be happier to support them,” said Ms McMahon.
“With the latest funding round now open, more organisations can follow the lead of Twin Rivers 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, more resilient Queensland for everyone.”
Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum said with the cost-of-living pressures currently on Queenslanders, the initiative provides essential support to help people secure ongoing employment to improve their livelihoods.
“For some, this may be the first formal qualification they’ll have ever gotten, and for others their very first job,” he said.
“The community services sector has seen first-hand the damage that cuts by the LNP can cause, so Queenslanders should rightfully be asking serious questions of David Crisafulli about whether he will cut this program again.
“In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, this initiative is more important than ever, the last thing Queenslanders need is another huge cut to this program by David Crisafulli and the LNP.”
Twin Rivers Community Centre Manager CARE Services, Annelise Hellberg said Skilling Queenslanders for Work was a clever initiative “that aligns brilliantly with our vision to Connect, Build and Equip people for success in all areas of life”.
“We have been privileged to partner with the Department in this way,” she said.
In the first funding round for 2024-25, $44.6 million was awarded to 94 organisations to deliver 166 projects statewide.
