New Jobs and Skills Package
The Australian Government in partnership with the Queensland Government has announced $83 million in funding for the Queensland Natural Disasters Jobs and Skills Package.
The package has been developed to support Queensland industry, business and communities affected by recent floods and Cyclone Yasi. It comprises skills and employment initiatives to mitigate skills and job losses, support the retention of skilled workers in impacted communities, and address emerging skills shortages stemming from the flood crisis.
Approximately 10,000 Queenslanders will be supported by the package, including jobseekers, existing employees, businesses, industry and community. In addition, the package aims to support the Queensland economy as it recovers.
The Queensland Natural Disasters Jobs and Skills Package comprises four key initiatives:
- Community Capability – to build the capacity of affected communities to support local industry, coordinate employment and skills assistance and maximise available funding opportunities under the package.
- Working for the Environment – to provide employment and work experience opportunities for eligible people on projects targeted at rebuilding community and public infrastructure and environmental restoration.
- Apprentice Support – assistance measures to support employers to retain apprentices and trainees.
- Priority Skills Development – assistance for training in regions and industries directly affected by the natural disasters
The package is being coordinated through Skills Queensland in partnership with the Australian and Queensland governments.
Further information on the package can be found in the fact sheets below and on the Skills Queensland website, or by contacting the Jobs and Skills Package Hotline on 1800 773 048. Information on the Australian Apprenticeships measures can be found at the Australian Apprenticeships website.