The graduation of young people taking part in a federally funded scheme has resulted in a boost for indigenous employment in Queensland.
Participants of the Indigenous Youth Mobility Program – financed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations – met at the Brother’s Leagues club in Ipswich to celebrate their achievement.
Aged between 16 and 24, the graduates were from various locations across the state including Hammond Island, Woorabinda, Goondiwindi, Doomadgee, Wagga Wagga and Ravenshoe, the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin reports.
There were ten apprentices that graduated with a Certificate III in community services and four more worked towards university courses or further study, with several of those taking part having never finished school.
Of those that graduated, seven have now entered full-time employment and three are taking apprenticeships or traineeships in Queensland.
The Indigenous Youth Mobility Program recruits people from remote communities and offers them accommodation and the opportunity to access training opportunities.
Earlier this month, Queensland’s minister for aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and multicultural affairs, Glen Elmes, praised indigenous employment efforts in the state.
His comments followed the announcement of 30 students completing pre-employment courses in cultural heritage, civil construction and resources, with the politician attending the graduation to congratulate the successful participants.
