Budget update 2011 – changes for Certificate II incentives

In the May edition of our newsletter we covered the 2011 Federal Budget announcement and in this newsletter we are further detailing an amendment to the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive Program and outline how your business can benefit from taking on new trainees within nominated equity groups.

Busy Beat Fundraises for Homeless

On Friday 5th August the Busy Beat Café in Ipswich participated in “CafeSmart”, a StreetSmart initiative to raise funds for homeless Australians.

Indigenous Employment and Training

While disparity in the workplace between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian’s is on the decline, statistics indicate significant inequalities continue to exist in both the workforce and society. In “Positive Dreaming, Solid Futures” by the Queensland Government, the unemployment rate for Indigenous Australians was found to be nearly three times higher than the rest of the population.

GirlPower Joins 1000 Voices

GirlPower is a support group of women with intellectual and learning disabilities. They encourage and support women with disabilities to access information on health, foster supportive relationships, and enable participation in community events.

Mums & Bubs Group

Five months ago the group of Ipswich ladies started meeting with their children at Busy Beat, and have found the group to be highly beneficial. The nine mothers met each other through the Midwifery Group Practice at the Ipswich Hospital. The group provides its members with a supportive environment to share ideas and discuss parenting issues, as well as much needed adult interaction.

Winner of Ipad Competition

Biloela is a rural town in Central Queensland’s Banana Shire, 120kms south west of Gladstone. The economy is largely driven by agriculture in addition to local coalmines. Local income is generated by abbatoirs, cotton production, dairying, wheat, and power generation at the Callide Power Station.

First Milestone Reached

The Honourable Mayor Paul Pisasale awarded Busy Beat with his signature, limited edition espresso cup in recognition of the occasion.

Australian Apprenticeships Roundtable

Senator the Honourable Chris Evans Minister for Tertiary Education Skills, Jobs & Workplace Relations and representatives from the National Association of Australian Apprenticeship Centres met with 14 Australian Apprentices to review the program. Queensland was well represented with five apprentices attending from metropolitan and regional areas.

Linc Energy Supports Chinchilla

The local people in Chinchilla are excited about the program as it shows the commitment Linc Energy is making to their community. The program gives them an in-depth understanding of the growing energy industry, whilst also supporting local employment and upskilling. Linc Energy Chief Executive Officer Peter Bond said his company had made a long term commitment to Chinchilla residents and businesses.

National skills needs list – recruit & retain your staff

This is to encourage the skilling of employees in particular industries, strengthening Australia’s economic growth and advancement. Not only do apprenticeships give young people a great start in life but there are a number of incentives to encourage the recruitment of people across a diverse range of demographics.