Skills boost for Queensland workforce
Queenslanders are set to benefit from a major overhaul to the states training and have access to more affordable training to update their skills and secure the job of their dreams.
The Palaszczuk Government today announced a $4 million Skills Boost to help deliver skilled workers where they are needed across the state.
“Skills Boost will slash the cost of TAFE,” the Premier said.
“We are making it cheaper for Queenslanders to access the training they need for a career in the industries where we know there will be jobs.
“Whether you’re already experienced in the industry but hold no formal qualification or you’re looking for a career change – Skills Boost is all about giving Queenslanders the opportunity to gain further skills.
“There are a lot of people who have been supported with subsidised training before who are not eligible for further subsidies.
“This means they would pay thousands to undertake another qualification.
“This new policy will give those Queenslanders access to further subsidised training and aligns with our Skills for Queensland strategy released earlier this year.”
Skills Minister Shannon Fentiman said there were over 10 courses on offer for each region.
“These have been chosen specifically to provide the opportunities for Queenslanders to boost their skills and increase career opportunities,” the Minister said.
“Skills Boost will provide upskilling opportunities for career changers and those who want to update their skills and gain higher qualifications.
“For example, through Skills Boost a Certificate III in Hospitality will mean students will pay around $300 to $600 instead of up to $3,700.
“Young people already have access to free apprenticeships for under 21s and free TAFE for Year 12 graduates.
“Today’s announcement will build on our commitment to ensuring we have the skills needed for the jobs of the future and further boost our economy.
“We know that some regions have different priorities for skills, so we’re tailoring our approach to skills boost subsidies by region.
“The introduction of new technologies or other changes can impact an industry and mean that people need to learn new skills to keep up with new employment prospects.”
The Minister called for more action from the Morrison Government.
“While the Palaszczuk Government have committed close to a billion dollars in training - the LNP in Canberra are sitting on unspent money,” the Minister said.
“We are doing all the heavy lifting up in Queensland to fix the skills shortage, the Federal LNP are failing apprentices and short changing them to the tune of $1 billion.”
The Skills Boost initiative is part of Skills for Queensland – Great training for quality jobs which is being rolled out to deliver real benefits at both a regional and statewide level.
For further information visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/skillsboost
For more information about TAFE Queensland courses call 1300 308 233 or visit www.tafeqld.edu.au/courses
North Queensland:
• Certificate III in Individual Support
• Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management
• Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
• Certificate III in Agriculture
• Certificate III in Education ATSI
• Certificate III in Horticulture
• Certificate III in Business Administration
• Certificate III in Rural Operations
• Certificate III in Beauty Services
• Diploma of Hospitality Management