Gold Coast puts work and confidence in place for graduates
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Dec 17 2008
2008 >>

Twelve people who until now faced multiple barriers in finding work are looking forward to being placed into jobs or continue with training thanks to funding under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said the Mental Health Association (QLD) has been given up to $1 million for 2007-08 under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist people facing multiple barriers find work.

“The statewide project delivered under the National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011 was developed to increase the ability of people with mental illness to participate in the community, employment, education and training,” Mr Mickel said.

“The Work N Place project will assist up to 100 participants build on their abilities and skills to find employment in 2008/09.”

Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said that these paid work placements have helped participants build their self-confidence so as they can enter into future long-term employment.

“Projects like this also give people the skills they need to participate more meaningfully in the workforce and find social and emotional well-being,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The Mental Health Association has supported many people facing multiple barriers in building their abilities and skills enabling them to find suitable employment.”
MHA Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Riddell said the organisation envisages communities in which all people are provided with opportunities to participate as valued members of society.

“Graduates from this project have all successfully completed job preparation, work placement opportunities and/or accredited training,” Mr Riddell said.

“These work placements have been made possible thanks to the support of organisations including Head Way, Salvation Army, Blair Athol Supported Accomodation Support Services, New Life Inc., Sepherd Community Services, Queensland Cancer Council, Daffodil Shop, Schizophrenia Fellowship – Federation Club House and the Currumbin RSL – College of Hospitality.”

Mr Lawlor represented Mr Mickel at the graduation held at the Surfers Paradise RSL today.

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.

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative 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.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work supports the Government’s Toward Q2 vision toward a stronger and fairer Queensland.

More information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925.

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