October 19, 2017
The Queensland Government has expanded its First Start program and is now calling on eligible not-for-profit community organisations to apply for $20,000 subsidies for trainees.
Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath said $2.5 million will be available through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to employ 125 trainees through the program.
“First Start helps jobseekers by providing 12 months of paid employment, and a chance to develop their workplace experience while earning a nationally recognised qualification,” Mrs D’Ath said.
“First Start has already been hugely successful in councils across the state, with 900 places funded since 2015.
“These traineeships are a fantastic opportunity for organisations to develop workers with the skills they need in their team to deliver better services and support in their communities.
“Participants can work and study in a range of fields including business administration, community services, early childhood education and care, hospitality, retail, horticulture and many others.”
Not-for-profit community organisations interested in applying for funding should check the First Start guidelines for funding and contact sqwapps@det.qld.gov.au to request an application form.
Mrs D’Ath also announced that 64 local councils will recruit 340 additional trainees next year, thanks to $4.25 million from First Start’s 2017–18 funding round.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.
Further information is available online or by calling 1300-369-935.
