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Media Releases My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast. Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.
Gold Coast youth help ease demands of population growth |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Feb 12 2008 |
| Media Releases >> |
Thirty Gold Coast teenagers will find new hope in a Get Set for Work project that provides them an alternative channel to traditional schooling.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said the $145,080 Queensland Government funded project harnesses the potential of 15 to 17-year-olds to lead a prosperous and sustained life within the workforce.
"It is understandable those who have never integrated successfully into the conventional school system may be disillusioned at the idea they will enjoy employment," Mr Mickel said.
"To prevent participants falling into long-term employment the Get Set for Work project will provide the opportunity to explore various industries through vocational training and work experience."
Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said the project targets young people on the verge of adulthood, particularly young migrants, disabled and Indigenous people.
"Record numbers of people are relocating to the Gold Coast every week and we need to get as many skilled workers as we can into the industries suffering labour shortages as a result of the rapid population growth," Mr Lawlor said.
"Vocational training will be available to participants in business, retail, information technology, engineering and general construction with flexibility in the choice of competencies."
Bridging the Gap Manager Ian Hall said the project focuses on developing and improving intangible qualities such as self-esteem and anger management.
"The program aims to give participants the mental capacity and well-being necessary to enter the workforce with a positive approach and healthy attitude," Mr Hall said.
"Participants will receive mentoring in constructive problem solving, decision making, and increased social and emotional intelligence as well as dealing with negative peer pressure and taking responsibility for there own future development, qualities they can foster and apply throughout the rest of their lives."
In 2008 more than 2000 young Queenslanders who leave school early or are at risk of not completing Year 12 will benefit from the $10.6 million statewide Get Set for Work program.
In the most recent survey of Get Set for Work participants conducted three months after leaving the program more than 75 per cent were in work or study.
During 2007/08 the Queensland Government will invest $80 million in the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to give an estimated 17,000 long-term unemployed and underemployed people job related assistance and skills training to maximise labour force participation and increase Queensland's prosperity.
Twelve months after receiving employment and training assistance 67 per cent of participants are in employment.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work is part of the State Government's $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan which aims to provide individuals and industry with the skills and workforce for the 21st Century.
For more information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 10:39 AM
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