Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said more than a quarter had already found work as a result of the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ ‘Get Into Transport and Logistics’ project.

 

“This project teams jobseekers up with an industry that is crying out for skilled workers,” Mr Fraser said.

 

“The transport industry makes a huge contribution to the Queensland economy, not only financially but also through the vital day-to-day services it provides.

 

“Some 22 people in Townsville and another 25 across Cairns, Bowen and Mackay are now ready to enter the industry having completed the two-month course, with another 14 people in Brisbane and ten in Rockhampton close to finishing their training soon.

 

“The Sunshine Coast program commenced early this month and the last intake, being held in Wide Bay, will start soon.”

 

Transport and Main Roads Director-General Dave Stewart said the project was a continuation of the successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work project the Department ran last year.

 

“The outcomes for jobseekers and industry from these projects has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Stewart said.

 

“The previous project assisted 126 participants, with 98 of them earning a heavy vehicle licence and 28 a forklift ticket. Ninety of these past participants are now in the workforce.

 

“The Queensland Trucking Association strongly supported the previous project and the Queensland Bus Industry Council has partnered with the State Government on this project.

 

“There is a dual focus of producing heavy vehicle drivers for either the road transport or the bus and coach industries, so projects like this are of great value to the industry’s future.”

 

Project staff also provide ongoing assistance to people who complete this training to help them into the workforce.

 

For more information on the ‘Skilling Queenslanders for Work’ initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925.