Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training The Honourable Ros Bates
Queensland Launches Skills-Boosting Micro-Credentials
Micro-credentials program to boost skills across Queensland
- Almost $2 million invested to upskill more than 3000 workers across a range of industries.
- More than 800 businesses to receive access to enhanced skills training.
- Early childhood educators C&K to receive $250,000 to train 450 childcare workers in child safety, supervision and regulatory compliance.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering more skilled workers for early childhood, mining, tourism, construction and primary industries, with nearly $2 million for upskilling through targeted training programs.
About 3000 participants across 813 enterprises will benefit from $1.96 million in grants to 10 training projects, delivered by the Crisafulli Government as part of its commitment to securing a pipeline of skilled workers.
The program uses online training modules, giving people living in regional areas access to courses, enabling them to upskill and to help address the skilled worker crisis left by the former Labor Government.
During a decade of Labor neglect, the skills crisis escalated across the State contributing to rising costs and shortages.
The training initiative works alongside a raft of Queensland Government projects like Skilling Queenslanders for Work and the newly announced Local Skills Solutions as part of a broad approach to delivering a Fresh Start for Queensland.
Queensland’s Creche and Kindergarten Association (C&K), a not-for-profit organisation, will receive $250,000 to deliver the Leading Regulatory Compliance in Early Childhood Education and Care project.
This will provide 450 early childhood educators with targeted training, on guiding adult-child interactions, supervision for safety and learning, assessing, and managing risk, audit and accountability in everyday practice and leading a child safe culture.
The Australian Industry and Defence Network is expected to train 600 workers in process manufacturing, including in business development, IP strategy and innovation, thanks to a $250,000 grant.
And the Queensland Alliance for Mental Health has been granted $250,000 to enhance workforce capability and wellbeing in community mental health.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said micro-credential training could help to ease the skills crisis by maximising productivity and ensuring local workforces kept pace with industry requirements.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment by investing in targeted credential programs that address specific skills gaps not covered by traditional vocational education and training programs,” Minister Bates said.
“Micro-credentials fill the gaps with specific skills requirements not covered by existing vocational education and training.”
CEO of Creche and Kindergarten Association Dr Sandra Cheeseman said funding would benefit centre directors and early childhood educators through enhanced training.
“C&K is thrilled to be chosen to deliver Round 3 of the Queensland Government’s Micro-Credentialing Program,” Dr Cheeseman said.
To see a list of approved projects, visit: micro-credentialing-program-2024-approved-projects-r3.pdf
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102211