Minister for Trade, Employment and Training announces funding to create new employment pathways across Central Queensland

MRAEL has welcomed Queensland Minister for Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates to its Rockhampton facilities as part of a Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) announcement supporting new training and employment opportunities in Central Queensland.

More than 5,200 Queenslanders will get practical skills and pathways into jobs through the latest round of SQW funding. The initiative supports 166 projects through 92 community organisations, focused on supporting Queenslanders to gain practical construction skills and industry recognised qualifications..

Through the initiative, MRAEL has secured almost $1 million in funding to enable the delivery of three important projects, including Rebuild and Rise Rockhampton, Rebuild and Rise Gladstone and Foundations to Futures: Construction Traineeships.

Skilling Queenslanders for Work helps underrepresented or at-risk Queenslanders gain the skills, qualifications and experience they need to find and keep a job. Through training, mentoring and employment-focused support, the initiative helps participants build confidence and improve their opportunities to secure meaningful work.

MRAEL Shaping Futures Program Manager, April Ibbotson said the announcement was an important investment in practical, community-based pathways that help young people take the next step towards sustainable employment.

“Not everybody gets a second chance, and for a lot of young people, this gives them a second chance,” Ms Ibbotson said. “Some people haven’t had the foundations, the family support or the community support to stay at school. Our team is driven by seeing young people commit to our program and come out the other end with a smile, a thank you and a move into a positive employment pathway.”

During the visit, Minister Bates toured MRAEL’s Rockhampton facilities and met with participants and staff involved in delivering training and employment programs across the region.

Minister Bates said the investment would help build workforce capacity across the Rockhampton region, supporting participants to develop job-ready skills while helping meet workforce needs across Central Queensland.

“These funds will help MRAEL provide stability and a safe environment for young people who have disengaged, helping them develop meaningful skills and contribute to their communities. It’s important that we have this training available in the regions so young people here can move into employment and help build the skilled workforce our regions need.” Minister Bates said. MRAEL is part of the IntoWork Group and delivers apprenticeship, traineeship, education, training and employment services across Queensland. Its Shaping Futures program supports young people to develop work-ready skills and take positive steps toward employment, training and independent living.