Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington has congratulated TAFE Qld South West on successfully securing $300,000 for a training program to support local people affected by the drought.
Mrs Frecklington said the “Helping Hand – Training Rural Communities in Times of Drought’ program will receive funding through the Queensland Government’s 2014/15 Community Learning Program.
“Community Learning is an essential part of our strong plan for a brighter future in Queensland. This training program is a terrific example of our local TAFE offering valuable training courses to local people looking for work off-farm,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“TAFE Qld South West will partner with the Queensland Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network (QRRRWN) and Agforce to assist primary producers who, due to the drought, need to source supplementary income,” she said.
Training under the “Helping Hand - Training Rural Communities in time of Drought” will be coordinated through both the Kingaroy and Cherbourg campuses and will include qualifications in Aged Care, Early Childhood Education and Care, Disabilities, Community Services and Education Support.
“This is an excellent initiative and one which I believe will directly benefit members of our community who have been hit hard by the ongoing drought conditions,” Deb said.
Minister for Education, Training Employment John-Paul Langbroek said the first two rounds of the Community Learning Program had already helped 4,000 Queenslanders receive the training they needed to move into employment or further study.
“Labor’s ad hoc approach to training missed opportunities and ignored the people who need it most, but this targeted program will provide real opportunities now and into the future,” he said
“Our $47 million investment over five years has funded 49 training providers and community organisations deliver projects from the NSW border to Far North Queensland.
Mr Langbroek said the Community Learning program was a key initiative of the Queensland Government’s Great skills. Real opportunities. five-year action plan for the further education and training sector.
Information on applying for Community Learning funding and the full list of projects funded in the first round for 2014-15 are both available at www.training.qld.gov.au
