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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.
Migrants matter in new Gold Coast jobs project |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Aug 01 2008 |
| Media Releases >> |
Seventy-six migrants living on the Gold Coast will receive help to move into the workforce under a $90,670 jobs project funded by the Queensland Government.
Gary Fenlon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel, and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said the 12-month project would provide a combination of training, practical job preparation and job search assistance.
"While unemployment is at a low 3.8 per cent in Queensland, it is important to remember there are still people who have difficulty finding work," Mr Fenlon said.
"Migrants, especially refugees, face different issues to other unemployed people and need help adjusting to a new way of life and a new language.
"Programs like this under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative help give culturally and linguistically diverse people the skills they need to participate meaningfully in the workforce and their community.
"The reality is that as the population ages we are going to need all the people who want to work participating in the workforce."
The Migrant Matters II project will encourage ongoing sustainable employment outcomes through building cross cultural awareness to break down barriers and identify employment and training pathways suited to the participants' skills.
Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said there was growing demand for bilingual employees in key Gold Coast industries such as tourism, hospitality and community services.
"In 2006, 25% of Gold Coast residents were born overseas; higher than Queensland (18%) and Australia (22%)," he said.
"With a shortage of skilled workers and an ageing and growing migrant population, it is anticipated this project will help to fill this labour need and provide culturally-sensitive services for the aged care sector and other industries."
The Migrant Centre Manager, Ms Anna Zubac said customised assistance would be given to every participant.
"We will look at the participants' skills and interests and offer career planning and advice on what work they would like to do in Australia and how they can achieve their goals," she said.
"This can include assistance with language, understanding the Australian workplace culture, formal recognition of overseas qualifications and help starting and operating a small business.
"Importantly, the participants will start to make their own networks, helping them adjust to a new country."
During 2008/09 the Queensland Government will invest $80 million in the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to give an estimated 15,000 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 assistance 71 per cent of participants are in employment or further training.
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 11:16 AM
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