A GREAT chance to enter the workforce was provided when 11 graduates completed their Certificate II in Retail Services as part of the Skilling for Queenslanders for Work.
The Queensland Government’s flagship skills and training initiative is part of $80 million of funding to assist up to 15,000 Queenslanders.
Local graduate Amy told Local Ipswich News that the opportunity to enter the workforce with this training and qualification would be a game-changer for her and her fellow graduates.
“I wasn’t mature, I was scared, I didn’t know how to catch public transport but now I’m able to get around myself and am more responsible,” she said.
“Get Set for Work got me a Cert II, my Prep L and RSA and there is no way I could ever do those things on my own.
“The only thing on my mind was getting a job but I had no idea how and was way too shy.
“Now I’m not scared to talk to people. A big part of this has been the program. You don’t know the things that you can do until you give it a try”
Her youth worker Liam Standish said that for the graduates it allowed them a first time in training.
“A lot of the young people have either left school early or are planning next steps, but the majority of them have never had any form of qualification or graduation,” he said.
“It is a real sense of real-life important things that they never thought they could do.
“So often the young people that come into program are from families who either don’t have the tools to support these young people or have for generations not worked, and it’s really upskilling them to a point where they’re able to get themselves a job.
“Definitely I could get them a job, but it means so much more to them if they are able to do the training and secure work for themselves.”
The recent graduation group of 11 join the 52 others who completed their qualification last month through the program.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work is a vital cost-of-living relief measure that is assisting community members in Redbank Plains and beyond by sponsoring them with free qualifications, paid traineeships, and putting them on a path to employment.
The Certificate II in Retail Services provides students with practical skills to excel in a retail environment .
The initiative focuses on improving skills development and providing work opportunities for disadvantaged Queenslanders.
“We know the cost-of-living is putting pressure on Queenslanders – this initiative provides essential support to help people secure ongoing employment to improve their livelihoods,” said Minister for Training and Skills Development and Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum.
