The Queensland Government's Department of Youth, Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training has awarded Apprentices and Trainees Queensland (ATQLD) a $420,300 grant under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program. This program will facilitate 20 traineeships in Gladstone and Rockhampton under Certificate I in Workplace Skills and Certificate I in Hospitality. These traineeships are integral to the much-celebrated Skilling Queenslanders for Work program - Ignite Your Opportunities.

 

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, highlights the dual benefits of the program. "Not only are participants gaining crucial expertise through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program," says Butcher, "but they are also significantly contributing to the region's progress, both now and for the future."

 

This initiative, funded by the Queensland Government, aims to upskill Queenslanders and offer valuable support to not-for-profit ventures in the Gladstone and Rockhampton communities. The Queensland Government remains committed to assisting Queenslanders secure employment, thus fostering economic growth and community engagement.

 

David Grenfell OAM, ATQLD Board Chairman, expressed gratitude to the Queensland Government for their unwavering belief in ATQLD's capacity to deliver the SQW Work Skills traineeships. Since 2019, Skilling Queenslanders for Work has had a profound impact on workforce participation and improved the performance of the Queensland economy through a substantial investment of over $634 million.

 

The program, with a focus on individual skill enhancement and Certificate I qualification attainment, extends a helping hand to those needing support to enter and sustain their presence in the workforce. With a rich history of 38 years, ATQLD stands as a respected not-for-profit group-training organisation committed to recruiting, employing, and training apprentices and trainees across Queensland.

 

ATQLD's Board expresses its pride in ATQLD's successful track record with the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program. He affirms, "ATQLD has consistently delivered successful outcomes with these programs over our 38-year history. We are gratified to see the company continuing to contribute to the community in such a meaningful way."

 

ATQLD CEO Michael Walz and Operations Manager Angie Wilmot also extend their joy and readiness to play pivotal roles in this vital community project. They eagerly anticipate aiding another 20 job-seekers in upskilling, earning a qualification, and securing full-time employment by the conclusion of the 18-week program.

 

ATQLD extends heartfelt appreciation to all Community Partners who collaborate in providing work placements for the trainees throughout their traineeship tenure.