Skilling Queenslanders for Work | Department of Employment, Small

Unlocking Opportunities: Empowering Queensland’s Job Seekers through Skilling Queenslanders for Work

As an experienced IT professional, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for individuals to have the right skills and qualifications to thrive in the ever-evolving technology landscape. That’s why I’m excited to explore the Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) initiative, a remarkable program that is transforming the lives of job seekers across Queensland.

SQW is a comprehensive initiative funded by the Queensland Government, providing a range of targeted programs to help disadvantaged individuals gain the skills, qualifications, and experience they need to enter and succeed in the workforce. Whether you’re a young person looking to kickstart your career, a mature-age job seeker aiming to upskill, or someone from a diverse background seeking opportunities, SQW has something to offer.

Empowering Queenslanders: The SQW Programs

The SQW initiative is composed of eight distinct programs, each designed to address the unique needs of different target groups. Here’s a closer look at what these programs entail:

1. Community Work Skills: This program assists disadvantaged job seekers and low-skilled workers to gain nationally recognized skills and qualifications up to a Certificate III level, equipping them with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment.

2. Work Skills Traineeships: Through this program, long-term unemployed and disadvantaged job seekers can be employed for up to six months on community, public works, or environmental projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

3. Get Set for Work: Targeting young, disengaged Queenslanders aged 15-19, this program provides intensive employment and training assistance over a 12-month period, helping them re-engage with education and training.

4. Ready for Work: Aimed at disadvantaged job seekers, Ready for Work offers courses of up to 6-8 weeks focused on job search assistance and training, facilitating a smooth transition into the workforce.

5. Youth Skills: This program provides nationally recognized training and employment support to 15-24 year olds who are engaged with Youth Justice Services or Queensland Corrective Services, ensuring they have the tools to succeed.

6. Community Foundation Skills: Designed for disadvantaged Queenslanders with low-level language, literacy, numeracy, and digital (LLND) skills, this program equips them with the knowledge and confidence to participate successfully in the modern economy.

7. Skill Up: Aimed at adults 25 years and older, Skill Up provides assistance to upskill or reskill in entry-level positions in high-priority industries, maximizing their existing and future job opportunities.

8. First Start: This program offers wage subsidies to local councils and community-based organizations to employ additional trainees, providing young people and disadvantaged job seekers with the opportunity to gain nationally recognized qualifications and 12 months of employment.

By offering a diverse range of programs, SQW ensures that no Queenslander is left behind, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. The initiative’s focus on providing tailored support and opportunities is truly commendable.

Eligibility and Participation

Skilling Queenslanders for Work is primarily targeted towards Queenslanders who are ineligible for Australian Government employment services or assistance. However, individuals currently accessing these services may still be eligible if they are considered disadvantaged and require complementary support.

The target groups for SQW include:

• Young people (including those in and transitioned from out-of-home care)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• People with disability
• Mature-age job seekers
• Women re-entering the workforce
• Veterans and ex-service personnel
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

It’s important to note that you may still be eligible for SQW if you don’t belong to one of the above target groups, as the program is designed to be inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of Queenslanders.

To participate in an SQW program, you’ll need to connect with one of the community organizations, local councils, or school Parents and Citizens’ and Parents and Friends’ associations that have been funded to deliver the training and support. These organizations can provide you with detailed information about the specific programs available in your local area, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

The Role of Community Organizations

One of the unique aspects of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative is its emphasis on community-based delivery. The program is designed to be implemented by a wide range of community organizations, local councils, and school associations, ensuring that the training and support are tailored to the specific needs of each local community.

These community-based organizations play a crucial role in the success of SQW, as they are responsible for:

1. Identifying Local Needs: By deeply understanding the challenges and aspirations of their communities, these organizations can design targeted programs that address the unique barriers faced by different groups of job seekers.

2. Delivering Customized Training: Drawing on their expertise and connections, community organizations can provide training and support that is tailored to the specific needs of participants, ensuring a high level of engagement and relevance.

3. Fostering Partnerships: These organizations often have strong relationships with local employers, government agencies, and other stakeholders, allowing them to create pathways for participants to transition into sustainable employment.

4. Providing Holistic Support: Beyond just skills development, community organizations can offer wraparound services, such as mentoring, career guidance, and access to additional resources, to help participants overcome any personal or social barriers to employment.

The involvement of these community-based organizations is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering local communities and ensuring that the SQW initiative has a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of Queenslanders.

Securing Funding and Applying for SQW Programs

For community organizations interested in delivering SQW programs, the funding process is relatively straightforward. The Queensland Government holds two regular funding rounds each financial year, allowing organizations to apply for project-based funding.

To apply for SQW funding, community organizations must:

1. Review the program guidelines: Carefully read through the eligibility criteria, target groups, and program-specific requirements to ensure that your proposed project aligns with the initiative’s objectives.

2. Develop a comprehensive project plan: Utilize the SQW project planning guide and template provided by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training to outline your project’s goals, activities, budget, and expected outcomes.

3. Leverage data to support your application: Gather and analyze relevant data, such as local labor market trends, target group demographics, and anticipated participant outcomes, to build a strong case for your project.

4. Connect with QCOSS for guidance: The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) has partnered with the government to deliver webinars and workshops on effective SQW tender writing, providing valuable insights and resources for community organizations.

5. Submit your application during the funding rounds: Keep an eye on the Department’s website for the latest information on upcoming funding rounds and deadlines, and be sure to submit your application within the required timeframe.

By following these steps, community organizations can increase their chances of securing SQW funding and delivering life-changing programs to the Queenslanders who need them most.

Transforming Lives, Strengthening Communities

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative is more than just a government program – it’s a powerful driver of social and economic change. By providing disadvantaged Queenslanders with the skills, qualifications, and support they need to enter and thrive in the workforce, SQW is not only improving individual lives but also strengthening entire communities.

Through the program’s diverse offerings, participants gain not only technical skills but also the confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose that are crucial to long-term success. As they transition into sustainable employment, these individuals become active contributors to their local economies, creating a ripple effect that benefits businesses, families, and communities as a whole.

Moreover, the SQW initiative’s reliance on community-based organizations ensures that the training and support are tailored to the unique needs of each region, fostering a sense of local ownership and empowerment. By empowering these organizations to design and deliver customized programs, the government is acknowledging the invaluable role that communities play in driving positive change.

As an IT professional, I’m inspired by the transformative potential of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. In an ever-evolving technological landscape, equipping individuals with the right skills and support is not just a matter of personal growth but also a strategic investment in the future of our state and our nation.

If you’re a Queenslander in need of support, I encourage you to explore the SQW programs and connect with the community organizations in your area. And if you’re a community-based organization interested in delivering SQW programs, I urge you to take advantage of the funding opportunities and resources available to make a lasting impact on the lives of those you serve.

Together, we can unlock the potential of Queenslanders, one skill at a time.