Year 12 students who graduated in 2013 will now be offered fee-free apprenticeships in Queensland across more than ten industries.
This development was announced earlier this month as part of the ‘Great Skills. Real Opportunities’ Vocational Education and Training (VET) initiative released in June 2013.
Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek explained the qualifications included in the fee-free program were in high-demand areas chosen by the Newman government and industry leaders.
“Together we’re determined to boost the Queensland economy … while also supporting our school leaver to find employment,” Mr Langbroek said in a January 21 media release.
A $42 million pool of apprenticeships funding has been contributed by the Newman government to support the five-year roll out of the ‘Great Skills. Real Opportunities’ subsidised training program.
This current reform will make 11 fee-free qualifications available to graduates who commence training in the calendar year after completing Year 12.
“Fee-free training will give recent Year 12 graduates the opportunity to complete a high priority qualification without the financial burden of student contribution fees,” Mr Langbroek said.
Areas of study awarded fee-free status include aged care, home and community care, manufacturing technology, arboriculture and water operations, among others.
The industries have been selected due to a skills shortages expected to affect employment over the coming years.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator
