Palaszczuk Government funds to kickstart Toowoomba and Roma trade careers

A brand new, employment based, pre apprenticeship pathway will help Toowoomba locals kickstart their engineering careers as part of a $25 million investment from the Palaszczuk Government.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Support program, which will extend several existing programs as well as introducing the new pathway, will help hundreds of Queenslanders secure the training they need for the job they want.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said Golden West Apprenticeships was one of the Group Training Organisations (GTOs) being funded through the GTO Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Golden West Apprenticeships will recruit, screen and induct two groups in Toowoomba to study either a Certificate I in Construction or Engineering, and another intake in Roma that will target hospitality.

“Participants will complete training and work as part of the Certificate I traineeship.”

Golden West Apprenticeships CEO Camille Johnson said the Enhanced Pathways Program offers participants industry training that covers a range of skills and experiences that will prepare them before they join an employer’s workforce.

“We’re looking for people seeking careers in these sectors because once they graduate from this program they will transition into an apprenticeship and build on the understanding and hands on experience they’ve gained to earn their trade qualification,” Ms Johnson said.

“This initiative supports Golden West Apprenticeships’ commitment to improving regional employment outcomes. Supporting local people and businesses is important for our communities and the economy in rural and regional Queensland.”

Minister Farmer said the six other funded GTOs will support participants across South East Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Cairns Townsville, Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Bundaberg.

“This is one part of the Palaszczuk Government’s two-year, $25 million Pre-apprenticeship Support program, which is also increasing support for existing programs that support people looking to start a trade career or want to advance in their current trade,” Minister Farmer said.

“Registered Trade Skills Pathways and Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training provide complementary pathways for people who have experience in an industry to earn a recognised qualification that will help them take the next steps on their career paths.

“For young people just starting out, SchoolTech is a successful school-based vocational education and training program led by TAFE Queensland and Woree State High School in Cairns.

“The Palaszczuk Government is also expanding assistance through Queensland’s Out of Trade Register, which the Apprentice Employment Network administers.”

Minister Farmer said Queensland needs to attract, train and retain more skilled workers so industries that are growing now, and in the future, can call on a job ready workforce and increase our economic productivity.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Support Program is funded through the $200 million Future Skills Fund. For further information visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/future-skills-fund or call 1300 369 935.

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211