Funding boost for job seeker program

Redcliffe Area Youth Space (RAYS) is among the 100 organisations which will receive State Government funding to help disadvantaged job seekers gain skills, qualifications and experience to find work or remain in the workforce.

RAYS will receive Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding to deliver a Certificate 1 in Workplace Skills.

Thirty-six participants will complete the certificate and gain real life experience and training.

Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates says Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides enhanced support for disadvantaged job seekers, including accessing training, to gain employment in critical industries.

“In this round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work, $49.7 million in funding will help even more Queenslanders to obtain a qualification, thanks to trusted community-based,” Ms Bates says.

“Importantly, these organisations also provide real, practical assistance to job seekers, which can include mentoring, employability skills, and transport assistance.”

State Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley says the funding will provide disadvantaged job seekers with traineeships across RAYS’ social enterprises such as Picnic Hill, 4020 coffee cart, Ride Supplies, Misfits United and Connections Catering to gain skills in business retail and hospitality.

Trainees will complete a Certificate I in Workplace Skills, including CPR and First Aid during a 24-week period.

RAYS CEO Amy Mayes says this program can be a life changer for participants.

“RAYS has been delivering this type of training for several years now and has seen many participants successfully find part- and full-time employment after completing these courses as well as excellent life skills,” she says.

For more information on Skilling Queenslanders for Work, visit qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders