Goal 2
Goal 1: Maximise workforce participation opportunities for those disengaged or under-engaged in the labour market. Output: Employment Initiatives Alignment to… Government outcomes
Government priorities
A strong diversified economy
Growing a diverse economy and creating jobs
A community of well-skilled and knowledgeable people
Realising the Smart State through education, skills and innovation
A fair, socially cohesive and culturally vibrant society
Improving health care and strengthening services to the community
Context Queensland continued to prosper in a strong economic climate in 2007-08. Unemployment levels remained steady throughout the year and in June 2008 the rate was 3.8% 1 , equating to some 86 000 Queenslanders. In addition: •
more than 9000 Queenslanders 2 are long-term unemployed (12 months or more)
•
some 97 000 Queenslanders 3 who are employed would like to work more hours
•
approximately 207 000 Queenslanders 4 of working age and with the potential to work are not in the labour force.
Queensland has continued to face skills and labour shortages across many industries. Queensland’s workforce is also ageing with fewer younger workers to replace retiring older workers. Managing the ageing population and the gradual shrinking in the labour pool poses a challenge to employers if they are to maintain productivity and competitiveness. The Queensland Skills Plan outlines the government’s commitment to addressing skills shortages across Queensland. The plan aims to better match the supply of skilled labour to industry’s needs and the economy’s demands, setting out the actions the Queensland Government is taking to address these issues. The department’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and the Experience Pays Awareness Strategy are two key actions in the Queensland Skills Plan. In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) committed to a comprehensive set of aspirations, outcomes, progress measures and future policy directions. These included improving productivity through increasing attainment in education, skills, training and increasing participation in early childhood learning. A key national target set by COAG that impacts on divisional activity is
1 Labour Force Info Brief, ABS, Cat. No. 6202.0 released 10 July 2008 2 Labour Force Australia, Detailed, Electronic Entry, Cat. No. 6291.0.55.001 – June 2008 3 Underemployed Workers, Australia, ABS, Cat. No. 6265.0, September 2007 4 Persons not in the Labour Force, ABS, Cat. No. 6220.0, September 2007
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 22
halving the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade. The department is actively involved in the development of reform proposals to achieve the outcomes.
Description of services Employment and Indigenous Initiatives provides: •
funding for organisations to deliver programs to assist unemployed and underemployed people to become work-ready to secure sustainable employment
•
services to help Indigenous Queenslanders enter or progress in the workforce
•
information for employers and the community of the effects of an ageing population and its implications for the future supply of labour
•
policy advice on employment issues including a specific focus on disadvantaged groups in the community.
The initiative has a number of key stakeholders including: •
unemployed, underemployed, disengaged and discouraged jobseekers
•
community based not-for-profit organisations
•
Queensland Government departments, statutory authorities, local government authorities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Councils, and committees
•
education and training providers
•
unions, industry and employer bodies.
Key outcome measures Queensland’s unemployment rate has remained relatively steady throughout 2007-08. In June 2008, the rate was 3.8%. The participation rate is nearly two percentage points higher than the national rate at 67.2% Under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative funding was approved to assist over 22 000 people in 2007-08. Surveys undertaken by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research within Queensland Treasury show that 63% of people who received help through employment assistance programs during 2005-06 were in employment 12 months after their project completed. When all positive outcomes were taken into account, 71% of participants were either in employment or training or a combination of both employment and training.
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 23
Survey results for the First Start and Youth Training Incentive Programs have also highlighted the success of offering young and other disadvantaged people qualifications integrated with work experience with 88% of participants employed 12 months following program participation.
Actions Implement the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, a key action in the Queensland Skills Plan Full implementation of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative occurred on 1 July 2007 replacing the highly successful Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative which helped create more than 124 000 jobs. “The final chapter… a new beginning Breaking the Unemployment Cycle” publication outlining the nine year history of this successful initiative was officially released in February 2008.
Manage the Experience Pays campaign to improve community attitudes to older workers and encourage recruitment, retraining and retention of older workers The Experience Pays Awareness Strategy continued to raise awareness about the value of older experienced people in the workforce, continuing the focus on educating employers on how to “recruit, retrain and retain older workers” and “create flexible age-friendly workplaces”. The strategy provided a timely reminder for employers about the importance of how older jobseekers can assist in beating current skills and labour shortages. Industry Liaison Officers worked with employer and employee groups across the State. An Employer Guide and an Employee Handbook was produced and distributed widely.
Provide intensive assistance to people disengaged or under-engaged in the labour market to help them into economic activity as a means of alleviating poverty and inequality The Participate in Prosperity strategy, a response to social exclusion, was officially launched in November 2007. Participate in Prosperity was piloted in specific communities to assist individuals and families who have not been able to share the benefits of Queensland’s strong economy. Funding totalling $4.7 million was approved to conduct a number of projects in the three target locations (Logan/Beenleigh, Caboolture/Deception Bay and the south west Brisbane metropolitan corridor) to assist 1121 people.
Develop a policy and response framework by reviewing business assistance programs and assistance to injured workers to maximise the workforce participation of Queenslanders A policy and response framework was developed in 2007-08 by Q-COMP, Queensland’s workers’ compensation regulatory authority, to assist injured workers who are unable to return to their normal occupation at the completion of their claim period. A two year pilot program will commence on 1 July 2008 which will identify workers at risk of leaving the scheme with no job and provide intervention services outside of the current scheme to assist these workers to
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 24
remain in the workforce. These clients can also participate in a variety of other Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs to assist their return to work.
Policy advice to government on labour supply issues A review of the Indigenous Employment Policy for Queensland Government Building and Civil Construction Projects (20% Policy) was finalised in 2007-08. The revised policy will come into effect on 1 July 2008. It allows greater flexibility in providing Indigenous communities with opportunities for employment and training as a result of new infrastructure projects in their area. The revised policy also formalised a commitment to the creation of strategic alliances and partnerships promoting mutual respect and responsibility across the organisations involved. During 2007-08 the Queensland Skills Plan was reviewed to ensure the next phase of the plan maintains its strong economic position. The review was the result of considerable changes in the Queensland labour market; particularly the effect of widespread labour shortages caused by significant increased activity in the resources sector and increased infrastructure development catering for population and industry demand. The revised plan will be released in 2008-09.
Performance In 2007-08, $79.4 million was approved under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist more than 22 000 people disengaged or under-engaged in the labour market to raise their competitiveness. This assistance was also available to young people through apprenticeships and traineeships and young people between 15 and 17 years who were at risk of disengaging from the educational system. An additional $13.18 million in grants was approved in 200708 to deliver over 1.2 million Annual Hours Curriculum of accredited training, including literacy and numeracy training, targeted at the most disadvantaged in the community. The funding was provided by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts as part of the Queensland Skills Plan. The customised assistance component under Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides assistance tools that can be customised to suit the needs of individual clients. Assistance can include job preparation, paid work placements, accredited and non-accredited training, job search support, assistance with travel and childcare costs for parents and carers plus six months post-placement support. Other highlights included: •
New funding priorities for the department were developed and as a result guidelines for the First Start and the Youth Training Incentive were reviewed during 2007-08. These programs provide incentives to employ full-time and school-based apprentices and trainees. To meet the new funding priorities, funding to state government agencies and statutory authorities was ceased during 2007-08. Incentives are still available to local government authorities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and community organisations.
•
The department committed $5 million over five years in response to the National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011 to assist 100 people with a mental illness to prepare for work each year. The program now in its second year, has assisted 206 people with funding totalling $2 million.
•
The outbreak of Equine Influenza in August 2007 caused considerable disruption to the racing and other equine industries. The division contributed to the Queensland Government’s response to this crisis by seeking to maintain employment for workers in the equine industry who were affected by the
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 25
•
outbreak. In total six projects worth $1.47 million were approved to assist approximately 120 workers. These projects covered a mixture of job preparation and work placements. The department supports the compulsory participation phase of education and training through the Get Set for Work and Youth Training Incentive programs. −
−
Get Set for Work assists young people 15-17 years old who no longer attend school or who are at risk of leaving mainstream education prior to completing year 12. In 2007-08, 1372 young people were assisted. Youth Training Incentives encourage private sector employers to take on school-based apprentices and trainees. In 2007-08, 2410 apprentices and trainees were employed.
Both Get Set for Work and Youth Training Incentives form part of the YouthWorX Strategy. The remaining component of the strategy is customised assistance offered to young people aged 18-24. In 2007-08, 1066 participants were assisted. •
1580 training opportunities were created through the Queensland Government Building and Construction Contracts Structured Training Policy (the 10% Training Policy).
•
The department has lead responsibility for implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Queensland Government and the Queensland Resources Council which underpins a joint commitment to increase employment opportunities for local Indigenous people in the mining sector. By working collaboratively with industry and the Australian Government, the department has developed an action plan to invest in industry-specific work readiness, training and employment opportunities.
•
In response to the Queensland Skills Plan, the departments of Employment and Industrial Relations and Education, Training and the Arts developed the Queensland Government’s Indigenous Employment and Training Strategy 2008-2011, Positive Dreaming, Solid Futures. This strategy will assist the Queensland Government to meet the COAG commitment of halving the gap in Indigenous employment outcomes within a decade.
•
The Queenslanders Working Together initiative has been funded since 2003 through an agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments. In 2007-08, $1.1 million was approved to assist 650 sole parents and mature aged participants seeking to re-enter the workforce.
•
During 2007-08 the department achieved re-accreditation for the Course in Adult Literacy and Numeracy 30719QLD. Poor literacy and numeracy presents a significant barrier to an individual’s ability to find employment or achieve progression at work. This course is unique in Australia as it is targeted for use in community-based settings and for delivery by suitably qualified trainers and tutors. The course underpins the Community Literacy Program which committed a total of $2 million to the delivery of over 176 000 hours of literacy training.
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 26
•
Outlined below is a snapshot of performance under Skilling Queenslanders for Work as reported to 30 June 2008: Name of Strategy
Group
Skilling for Work
25-44 year olds who are long-term unemployed or
Strategy
under-employed
YouthWorX
18-24 year olds who are under-employed, low
Strategy
skilled or long-term unemployed and at risk 15-17
Number assisted 2007-08 1,337 4,848
year olds Parents and Carers
Parents and carers wishing to enter or re-enter the
Strategy
workforce
1,211
Advance 2 Work
Offenders prior to and following release.
2,036
Indigenous
Indigenous Queenslanders including apprentices,
3,831
Employment
trainees, vocational students and jobseekers
Strategy
(includes provision of culturally appropriate
Strategy
mentoring and support services) Experience Pays
Mature aged people (aged 45 years and over)
1,397
Multicultural
People from non-English speaking backgrounds,
1,295
Employment
refugees and recently arrived migrants
Strategy
Strategy WorkAbility
People with a disability who are low skilled or who
Strategy
are already employed but would like to work more
437
hours
Resources Executive Director
Communication Directorate
Policy, Co-ordination and Support Directorate
Service Delivery Directorate
Indigenous Initiatives Directorate
Experience Pays Awareness Strategy
Skilling Queenslanders for Work
Public Sector Employment Development Unit (Wal-Meta)
Programs: • Get Set for Work • Youth Training Incentives • Community Literacy Program • Advance 2 Work • Queenslanders Working Together • First Start Program • Industry/Disaster Responses
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 27
Indigenous Program Unit
Looking ahead •
The division will invest $80.93 million in Skilling Queenslanders for Work to assist over 15 000 jobseekers, apprentices, trainees and young people specifically targeting those who are most disadvantaged in the labour market.
•
The review of the Youth Training Incentive will be implemented to maximise the uptake of school-based apprentices and trainees in trade skill shortage areas and for Indigenous students.
•
The revised Indigenous Employment Policy for Queensland Government Building and Civil Construction Projects will be promoted, through regional forums in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton. This policy promotes and encourages skills development, employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and is designed to contribute to regional economic development.
•
The division will work collaboratively with the Australian Government to develop policies to maximise employment outcomes. This includes reducing Indigenous disadvantage and maximising participation through increased investment in training under the Productivity Places Program.
•
The department will implement the Queensland Government’s Indigenous Employment and Training Strategy Positive Dreaming, Solid Futures.
•
The division will evaluate initiatives including the:
•
−
Participate in Prosperity pilot programs (and fine tune the strategy)
−
Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative
−
Experience Pays Awareness Strategy.
The division will undertake a refocused advertising campaign for the Experience Pays Awareness Strategy, placing greater emphasis on behavioural change by showcasing age-friendly workplaces.
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 28
Government priorities
A strong diversified economy
Growing a diverse economy and creating jobs
A community of well-skilled and knowledgeable people
Realising the Smart State through education, skills and innovation
A fair, socially cohesive and culturally vibrant society
Improving health care and strengthening services to the community
Context Queensland continued to prosper in a strong economic climate in 2007-08. Unemployment levels remained steady throughout the year and in June 2008 the rate was 3.8% 1 , equating to some 86 000 Queenslanders. In addition: •
more than 9000 Queenslanders 2 are long-term unemployed (12 months or more)
•
some 97 000 Queenslanders 3 who are employed would like to work more hours
•
approximately 207 000 Queenslanders 4 of working age and with the potential to work are not in the labour force.
Queensland has continued to face skills and labour shortages across many industries. Queensland’s workforce is also ageing with fewer younger workers to replace retiring older workers. Managing the ageing population and the gradual shrinking in the labour pool poses a challenge to employers if they are to maintain productivity and competitiveness. The Queensland Skills Plan outlines the government’s commitment to addressing skills shortages across Queensland. The plan aims to better match the supply of skilled labour to industry’s needs and the economy’s demands, setting out the actions the Queensland Government is taking to address these issues. The department’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and the Experience Pays Awareness Strategy are two key actions in the Queensland Skills Plan. In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) committed to a comprehensive set of aspirations, outcomes, progress measures and future policy directions. These included improving productivity through increasing attainment in education, skills, training and increasing participation in early childhood learning. A key national target set by COAG that impacts on divisional activity is
1 Labour Force Info Brief, ABS, Cat. No. 6202.0 released 10 July 2008 2 Labour Force Australia, Detailed, Electronic Entry, Cat. No. 6291.0.55.001 – June 2008 3 Underemployed Workers, Australia, ABS, Cat. No. 6265.0, September 2007 4 Persons not in the Labour Force, ABS, Cat. No. 6220.0, September 2007
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 22
halving the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade. The department is actively involved in the development of reform proposals to achieve the outcomes.
Description of services Employment and Indigenous Initiatives provides: •
funding for organisations to deliver programs to assist unemployed and underemployed people to become work-ready to secure sustainable employment
•
services to help Indigenous Queenslanders enter or progress in the workforce
•
information for employers and the community of the effects of an ageing population and its implications for the future supply of labour
•
policy advice on employment issues including a specific focus on disadvantaged groups in the community.
The initiative has a number of key stakeholders including: •
unemployed, underemployed, disengaged and discouraged jobseekers
•
community based not-for-profit organisations
•
Queensland Government departments, statutory authorities, local government authorities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Councils, and committees
•
education and training providers
•
unions, industry and employer bodies.
Key outcome measures Queensland’s unemployment rate has remained relatively steady throughout 2007-08. In June 2008, the rate was 3.8%. The participation rate is nearly two percentage points higher than the national rate at 67.2% Under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative funding was approved to assist over 22 000 people in 2007-08. Surveys undertaken by the Office of Economic and Statistical Research within Queensland Treasury show that 63% of people who received help through employment assistance programs during 2005-06 were in employment 12 months after their project completed. When all positive outcomes were taken into account, 71% of participants were either in employment or training or a combination of both employment and training.
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 23
Survey results for the First Start and Youth Training Incentive Programs have also highlighted the success of offering young and other disadvantaged people qualifications integrated with work experience with 88% of participants employed 12 months following program participation.
Actions Implement the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, a key action in the Queensland Skills Plan Full implementation of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative occurred on 1 July 2007 replacing the highly successful Breaking the Unemployment Cycle initiative which helped create more than 124 000 jobs. “The final chapter… a new beginning Breaking the Unemployment Cycle” publication outlining the nine year history of this successful initiative was officially released in February 2008.
Manage the Experience Pays campaign to improve community attitudes to older workers and encourage recruitment, retraining and retention of older workers The Experience Pays Awareness Strategy continued to raise awareness about the value of older experienced people in the workforce, continuing the focus on educating employers on how to “recruit, retrain and retain older workers” and “create flexible age-friendly workplaces”. The strategy provided a timely reminder for employers about the importance of how older jobseekers can assist in beating current skills and labour shortages. Industry Liaison Officers worked with employer and employee groups across the State. An Employer Guide and an Employee Handbook was produced and distributed widely.
Provide intensive assistance to people disengaged or under-engaged in the labour market to help them into economic activity as a means of alleviating poverty and inequality The Participate in Prosperity strategy, a response to social exclusion, was officially launched in November 2007. Participate in Prosperity was piloted in specific communities to assist individuals and families who have not been able to share the benefits of Queensland’s strong economy. Funding totalling $4.7 million was approved to conduct a number of projects in the three target locations (Logan/Beenleigh, Caboolture/Deception Bay and the south west Brisbane metropolitan corridor) to assist 1121 people.
Develop a policy and response framework by reviewing business assistance programs and assistance to injured workers to maximise the workforce participation of Queenslanders A policy and response framework was developed in 2007-08 by Q-COMP, Queensland’s workers’ compensation regulatory authority, to assist injured workers who are unable to return to their normal occupation at the completion of their claim period. A two year pilot program will commence on 1 July 2008 which will identify workers at risk of leaving the scheme with no job and provide intervention services outside of the current scheme to assist these workers to
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 24
remain in the workforce. These clients can also participate in a variety of other Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs to assist their return to work.
Policy advice to government on labour supply issues A review of the Indigenous Employment Policy for Queensland Government Building and Civil Construction Projects (20% Policy) was finalised in 2007-08. The revised policy will come into effect on 1 July 2008. It allows greater flexibility in providing Indigenous communities with opportunities for employment and training as a result of new infrastructure projects in their area. The revised policy also formalised a commitment to the creation of strategic alliances and partnerships promoting mutual respect and responsibility across the organisations involved. During 2007-08 the Queensland Skills Plan was reviewed to ensure the next phase of the plan maintains its strong economic position. The review was the result of considerable changes in the Queensland labour market; particularly the effect of widespread labour shortages caused by significant increased activity in the resources sector and increased infrastructure development catering for population and industry demand. The revised plan will be released in 2008-09.
Performance In 2007-08, $79.4 million was approved under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to assist more than 22 000 people disengaged or under-engaged in the labour market to raise their competitiveness. This assistance was also available to young people through apprenticeships and traineeships and young people between 15 and 17 years who were at risk of disengaging from the educational system. An additional $13.18 million in grants was approved in 200708 to deliver over 1.2 million Annual Hours Curriculum of accredited training, including literacy and numeracy training, targeted at the most disadvantaged in the community. The funding was provided by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts as part of the Queensland Skills Plan. The customised assistance component under Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides assistance tools that can be customised to suit the needs of individual clients. Assistance can include job preparation, paid work placements, accredited and non-accredited training, job search support, assistance with travel and childcare costs for parents and carers plus six months post-placement support. Other highlights included: •
New funding priorities for the department were developed and as a result guidelines for the First Start and the Youth Training Incentive were reviewed during 2007-08. These programs provide incentives to employ full-time and school-based apprentices and trainees. To meet the new funding priorities, funding to state government agencies and statutory authorities was ceased during 2007-08. Incentives are still available to local government authorities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils and community organisations.
•
The department committed $5 million over five years in response to the National Action Plan on Mental Health 2006-2011 to assist 100 people with a mental illness to prepare for work each year. The program now in its second year, has assisted 206 people with funding totalling $2 million.
•
The outbreak of Equine Influenza in August 2007 caused considerable disruption to the racing and other equine industries. The division contributed to the Queensland Government’s response to this crisis by seeking to maintain employment for workers in the equine industry who were affected by the
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 25
•
outbreak. In total six projects worth $1.47 million were approved to assist approximately 120 workers. These projects covered a mixture of job preparation and work placements. The department supports the compulsory participation phase of education and training through the Get Set for Work and Youth Training Incentive programs. −
−
Get Set for Work assists young people 15-17 years old who no longer attend school or who are at risk of leaving mainstream education prior to completing year 12. In 2007-08, 1372 young people were assisted. Youth Training Incentives encourage private sector employers to take on school-based apprentices and trainees. In 2007-08, 2410 apprentices and trainees were employed.
Both Get Set for Work and Youth Training Incentives form part of the YouthWorX Strategy. The remaining component of the strategy is customised assistance offered to young people aged 18-24. In 2007-08, 1066 participants were assisted. •
1580 training opportunities were created through the Queensland Government Building and Construction Contracts Structured Training Policy (the 10% Training Policy).
•
The department has lead responsibility for implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Queensland Government and the Queensland Resources Council which underpins a joint commitment to increase employment opportunities for local Indigenous people in the mining sector. By working collaboratively with industry and the Australian Government, the department has developed an action plan to invest in industry-specific work readiness, training and employment opportunities.
•
In response to the Queensland Skills Plan, the departments of Employment and Industrial Relations and Education, Training and the Arts developed the Queensland Government’s Indigenous Employment and Training Strategy 2008-2011, Positive Dreaming, Solid Futures. This strategy will assist the Queensland Government to meet the COAG commitment of halving the gap in Indigenous employment outcomes within a decade.
•
The Queenslanders Working Together initiative has been funded since 2003 through an agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments. In 2007-08, $1.1 million was approved to assist 650 sole parents and mature aged participants seeking to re-enter the workforce.
•
During 2007-08 the department achieved re-accreditation for the Course in Adult Literacy and Numeracy 30719QLD. Poor literacy and numeracy presents a significant barrier to an individual’s ability to find employment or achieve progression at work. This course is unique in Australia as it is targeted for use in community-based settings and for delivery by suitably qualified trainers and tutors. The course underpins the Community Literacy Program which committed a total of $2 million to the delivery of over 176 000 hours of literacy training.
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 26
•
Outlined below is a snapshot of performance under Skilling Queenslanders for Work as reported to 30 June 2008: Name of Strategy
Group
Skilling for Work
25-44 year olds who are long-term unemployed or
Strategy
under-employed
YouthWorX
18-24 year olds who are under-employed, low
Strategy
skilled or long-term unemployed and at risk 15-17
Number assisted 2007-08 1,337 4,848
year olds Parents and Carers
Parents and carers wishing to enter or re-enter the
Strategy
workforce
1,211
Advance 2 Work
Offenders prior to and following release.
2,036
Indigenous
Indigenous Queenslanders including apprentices,
3,831
Employment
trainees, vocational students and jobseekers
Strategy
(includes provision of culturally appropriate
Strategy
mentoring and support services) Experience Pays
Mature aged people (aged 45 years and over)
1,397
Multicultural
People from non-English speaking backgrounds,
1,295
Employment
refugees and recently arrived migrants
Strategy
Strategy WorkAbility
People with a disability who are low skilled or who
Strategy
are already employed but would like to work more
437
hours
Resources Executive Director
Communication Directorate
Policy, Co-ordination and Support Directorate
Service Delivery Directorate
Indigenous Initiatives Directorate
Experience Pays Awareness Strategy
Skilling Queenslanders for Work
Public Sector Employment Development Unit (Wal-Meta)
Programs: • Get Set for Work • Youth Training Incentives • Community Literacy Program • Advance 2 Work • Queenslanders Working Together • First Start Program • Industry/Disaster Responses
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 27
Indigenous Program Unit
Looking ahead •
The division will invest $80.93 million in Skilling Queenslanders for Work to assist over 15 000 jobseekers, apprentices, trainees and young people specifically targeting those who are most disadvantaged in the labour market.
•
The review of the Youth Training Incentive will be implemented to maximise the uptake of school-based apprentices and trainees in trade skill shortage areas and for Indigenous students.
•
The revised Indigenous Employment Policy for Queensland Government Building and Civil Construction Projects will be promoted, through regional forums in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton. This policy promotes and encourages skills development, employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and is designed to contribute to regional economic development.
•
The division will work collaboratively with the Australian Government to develop policies to maximise employment outcomes. This includes reducing Indigenous disadvantage and maximising participation through increased investment in training under the Productivity Places Program.
•
The department will implement the Queensland Government’s Indigenous Employment and Training Strategy Positive Dreaming, Solid Futures.
•
The division will evaluate initiatives including the:
•
−
Participate in Prosperity pilot programs (and fine tune the strategy)
−
Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative
−
Experience Pays Awareness Strategy.
The division will undertake a refocused advertising campaign for the Experience Pays Awareness Strategy, placing greater emphasis on behavioural change by showcasing age-friendly workplaces.
Department of Employment and Industrial Relations 28
