Close to 40 disadvantaged young people and job seekers will be given a head start in gaining the skills, confidence and support needed to secure sustainable employment in the Burdekin Electorate.

Member for Burdekin Dale Last welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s $215,500 investment in the Burdekin PCYC’s successful Get Set for Work program and the $146,800 investment into Whitsunday Success Pathways’ Work Skills Traineeships program to be delivered in Bowen.

Included in the $46.2 million round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program, the two projects are among 166 across Queensland targeted towards skills shortages in priority industries in our community and region.

“The Burdekin PCYC’s Get Set for Work program has already proven a success in our community and this round will see a further 36 disadvantaged young adults receive skills industry-recognised training including First Aid, White Card, RSA, RSG and driver licensing support,” Mr Last said

“By providing the additional wrap around support as part of both the Get Set For Work and the Whitsunday Success Pathways programs, disadvantaged young adults will receive a holistic experience tailored to each of their needs.”

“We have already seen the successful results in our community with past participants becoming the skilled workers we need in priority industries like construction, health, community services and hospitality.”

Mr Last said the state government funded program had the ability to provide real impacts on communities in regional Queensland that often faced significant skills shortages.

“In order to grow our local workforce and bolster our region’s economy, we need to be able to retain young adults in our community and that means ensuring there are positive career pathways available and the ability to obtain the skills needed in our towns,” Mr Last said.

“Programs like Skilling Queenslanders for Work demonstrates the Crisafulli Government’s focus of providing better outcomes for workers, employers and local communities.” 

“This is a great outcome for Burdekin and Bowen communities whose economies ultimately benefit from the addition of skilled, local young workers.”