$790,000 to assist 145 Wide Bay jobseekers
A Hervey Bay community organisation is gearing up to combat local unemployment after receiving more than $790,000 from the Bligh Government.
Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining Stirling Hinchliffe said Community Solutions Group is running two projects targeting the specific employment needs of the region.
'One of the projects, Wide Bay Aim to Train - Careers in Care, will prepare 135 disadvantaged youth and long-term unemployed people for careers in aged care,' Hinchcliffe said.
'This project addresses the recognised skill shortage within the aged care industry and will see participants receive a full qualification under accredited training.'
'The project received more than $607,000 in funding from the Australian Government's Productivity Places Program which is administered through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.'
'The second project, Wide Bay Resources - Branch into Power, will prepare 10 long-term unemployed locals to step into the horticulture workforce. It received more than $191,000 in funding under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.'
'The project will be delivered in conjunction with Eastern Tree Service, a training provider contracted to undertake vegetation maintenance work for Energex.'
'This project has strong links to the local horticulture industry and will allow participants to take advantage of current employment opportunities in that field.'
Community Solutions Group Managing Director David Curd said both projects took a holistic approach to employment preparation and included post-participation support for jobseekers.
'Participants will develop individual action plans incorporating goals and strategies for success in both their personal and professional lives,' Mr Curd said.
'They will be provided with relevant training, work experience and individual support to make the most of the employment opportunities available to them.'
The Bligh Government is investing $104 million in Skilling Queenslanders for Work this financial year to give an estimated 24,000 long-term unemployed and underemployed people job related assistance and skills training.
'These projects will not only help to increase the number of local people in the workforce but will also expand the available skills base to meet the current and future needs of businesses and industry,' Mr Hinchliffe said.
The Wide Bay Aim to Train - Careers in Care project will run over the next year in Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Gympie. To register your interest, call Community Solutions Group on 1300 621 499.
Employment, Skills and Mining
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe