May 24, 2012
The State Government has allocated $136,610 to South Burnett CTC to help 25 young people find a job, get into training or return to education.
Provided through the State Government’s Get Set for Work program, the funding will assist young local disadvantaged and disengaged people.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said the State Government would invest a total of $13 million in the Get Set for Work program across Queensland in 2012 to assist more than 3000 young people in 70 community-based projects.
“The GSFW funding ensures each participant receives individual job search and career counselling, welfare support and access to local industry experts,” she said.
“This case management approach is very helpful in breaking down employment barriers.
“In Kingaroy, South Burnett CTC Inc is running the 52-week project to provide young people with some skills they can convert into jobs in the paid workforce.
“The project will cover basic skills and training including first aid training, work experiences with local industries and businesses and offer a range of Certificate level TAFE courses in construction, hospitality, retail, information technology and more to course participants.
“We are talking about young people who lack confidence and may have poor life skills and face multiple barriers to employment.
“The Get Set for Work program plays a significant role in turning around the lives of young people who have dropped out of the mainstream education system or are at risk of falling through the cracks.
“Young people who don’t complete their education and don’t gain the skills or experience employers are looking for face a difficult time finding jobs. This only becomes more difficult the longer they are out of the workforce.
“This can often lead to problems for young people with the legal system and ultimately a loss of productivity for the state.”
Mrs Frecklington said in the most recent survey of participants three months after leaving the program 65 per cent were in work or training, or had returned to school.
“Get Set for Work projects offer accredited and non-accredited training, job preparation and work placements,” she said.
“Projects also help participants address issues that might be affecting their ability to work or study such as accommodation difficulties, family conflict and emotional and health concerns.”
South Burnett residents who think they might be eligible for places on this project should contact Project Co-ordinator Kirsten Firman at CTC on (07) 4162-7788.
