Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a suite of targeted skills and training programs supporting Queenslanders to gain the skills, qualifications and experience needed to enter and stay in the workforce. Funding is primarily available for community-based not-for-profit organisations.

Registered training organisations (RTOs) with Skills Assure Supplier (SAS) status will have opportunities to partner with funded community-based organisations to deliver the nationally recognised training and assessment service components of Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects through the following training and skills programs:

Community Work Skills
Community Work Skills assists disadvantaged Queensland job seekers to gain nationally recognised skills and qualifications up to a certificate III level. Funding is available to community-based not-for-profit organisations, which will partner with RTOs with SAS status.

Work Skills Traineeships
Work Skills Traineeships employs disadvantaged Queenslanders on community, public works or environmental projects. Funding is available to community-based not-for-profit organisations and local councils, which will partner with RTOs with SAS status.

Get Set for Work
Get Set for Work provides intensive employment and training assistance over a 12-month period to young, disengaged Queenslanders aged 15–19 years. Funding is primarily available for community-based not-for-profit organisations, which will partner with RTOs with SAS status.

Youth Skills
Youth Skills provides nationally recognised training and employment support to 15–24 year olds who are engaged with Youth Justice Services, Queensland Police Service or Queensland Corrective Services. Funding is primarily available for community-based not-for-profit organisations, which will partner with RTOs with SAS status.

Community Foundation Skills
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. Funding is available to community-based not-for-profit organisations, which will primarily partner with RTOs with SAS status.

Skill Up
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. Funding is available to community-based not-for-profit organisations, which will partner with RTOs with SAS status.

There are 2 other programs that make up the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

Ready for Work
Ready for Work assists disadvantaged Queenslanders to transition into the workforce by providing courses of up to 6–8 weeks focused on job search assistance and training.

First Start
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 12–24 months employment by undertaking a traineeship.

For general enquiries about Skilling Queenslanders for Work, email training@desbt.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 369 935.

Detailed information is available from the community organisations section of this site.

Related information

Last updated 15 February 2024

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