Community & Business
2 September, 2022
Local youth get leg up
YOUNG jobseekers across Atherton, Mareeba and Cairns will get a head start in the workforce as they undertake a work skills project through the community based organisation, VPG.
Up to 66 young workers across the region will be participating in the Queensland Government employment initiative where they will gain employment skills and vocational training.
Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG) is an experienced Skilling Queenslanders for Work provider, having successfully completed over 31 contracts for the state initiative over the past 15 years.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skill development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.
VPG Chief Executive Officer, Maryanne Tranter says the program supports employment pathways across multiple sectors experiencing labour shortages.
“Young people will undertake a Certificate III in Rural Operations to create and strengthen a pathway and occupational outcome within agriculture and horticulture, and across industry related areas in land and conservation management, civil construction, and construction,” she said.
“The vocational training was selected by local industry representatives as it allows young people to develop practical and transferable skills to meet current and emerging workforce needs across a variety of industries experiencing labour shortages.”
The program will work to address challenges impacting work participation for disadvantaged youth, provide opportunities to gain skills, a qualification and support entering the workforce.
Additional funding to deliver a learner support program for young jobseekers to develop foundation literacy, numeracy, and employability skills has also been secured by the organisation.
“We believe an inspired, skilled future workforce will help overcome challenges associated with youth unemployment,” Ms Tranter said.
“Leveraging our existing partnerships with community and industry, we will connect young people with real world opportunities to enhance their employability skills, build their professional networks and maximise their potential to succeed in the workplace.”
Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.
