Grants Open for QLD Disadvantaged Students
28 October 2013 at 11:24 am
Queensland community training organisations providing programs for disadvantaged mature-age students are urged to apply for funding under the second round of the Queensland Government’s $47 million Community Learning program.
Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the Government was eager to receive funding applications from regional Queensland.
“Community Learning focuses on assisting learners who are not receiving Australian Government income or employment support or assistance, and who don’t already hold a Certificate III level or higher qualification,” Langbroek said.
“In the first round we’ve distributed nearly $6 million to 23 organisations to deliver nationally recognised, community-based training to more than 2,100 learners with diverse needs across the state.”
Langbroek said the Jobs Queensland program was a leading example of a successful partnership between government, community organisations, training providers and employers to create pathways into employment for the disadvantaged in the community.
“The Community Learning program is the light at the end of the tunnel for people who in the past may have struggled to undertake and complete training,” Langbroek said.
“I’m encouraging funding applications from regional Queensland training providers, particularly from Central Queensland, Darling Downs South West and Far North Queensland.”
The second round of Community Learning applications closes on October 31.
Langbroek said Community Learning was a key initiative of the Queensland Government’s Great skills. Real opportunities reform action plan.
“The program complements the introduction of the Certificate III Guarantee by funding the delivery of nationally recognised qualifications in a community-based environment to provide the extra support disadvantaged learners need to succeed,” Langbroek said.
In the first round of grants, Langbroek said Rockhampton community training and employment organisation Jobs Queensland Ltd had received a $392,800 grant to help 175 disadvantaged learners access training in business, hospitality, retail and resources-related qualifications over the next 12 months.
The 23 organisations which received funding in the first round are listed on the website.
