The Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future plan is available across Queensland while continuing to deliver free training for young Queenslanders under 25.
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the investment into TAFE and skills is critical to Queensland’s economic recovery plan.
“Queensland is leading the way when it comes to job creation,” Minister Farmer said.
“Giving young people the chance to train for free in 165 priority qualifications, wherever they live, is crucial to helping them get the jobs that we know are in demand.
“Since January this year, expanding free training to all Queenslanders under 25 meant that 37,000 more young people have become eligible to enrol in these qualifications, through Free TAFE or Free Apprenticeships.
“This has really helped boost demand for this program, with more than 30,000 young Queenslanders now having accessed free training – including over 26,000 apprentices and trainees.
“This allows young people to focus on their studies and working without the worry of training debt.
$0 Training Costs for Businesses Putting on an Apprentice
And it’s not just great news for young people! The Free Apprenticeships initiative is designed to encourage more businesses to sign up apprentices and trainees without the burden of training costs.
“This support covers traditional trades in construction, electrotechnology, resources, automotive, engineering and other options in childcare, community services, hospitality, laboratory science, beauty and hairdressing,” Minister Farmer further stated.
Great News for Construction Industry
With a continued focus on regional economic recovery, the first wave of the Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future will soon be calling for tenders for eight projects to start construction before the end of the year.
“The first eight projects, worth $20.6 million, is the first tranche in the delivery of cutting-edge training spaces and facilities for TAFE Queensland staff and students and will help train a world-class skilled workforce,” Ms Farmer said.
“Along with the Free TAFE and Free Apprenticeships initiative, the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in training and skills will help future-proof Queensland’s workforce and will continue to drive Queensland’s economic recovery post-COVID.”
The first eight Equipping TAFE for our Future infrastructure projects will be delivered in Cairns, Cannonvale, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba, Yarrabilba, Mooloolaba and Southbank.
Other Equipping TAFE for our Future infrastructure projects will be delivered in Rockhampton, Mackay, Bowen, Bohle, Bundamba, Robina, and Eagle Farm in Brisbane.
For more information on the Queensland Government’s training subsidies visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/training-careers/incentives.
