More than 209,000 jobs would be created in Queensland and many new jobs in the Bundaberg region in the next six years as a result of the LNP’s strong plan to secure the state’s economic future.
Premier Campbell Newman made the pledge today while releasing the LNP’s $91 million Jobs of Tomorrow plan to ensure the next generation of Queenslanders had access to high quality training to kick start their careers.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said when the LNP came to Government just three years ago, young Queenslanders weren’t being given the support needed to secure a rewarding job.
“From day one, Member for Bundaberg Jack Dempsey and I have been working hard to reform the vocational education and training sector to ensure training leads to real jobs for our young people,” Mr Bennett said.
“Under Labor, participation in training was at an all-time low and taxpayer money was being thrown away on training for training’s sake.
“We understand that providing incentives to businesses can be one of the most powerful ways of getting training happening, and giving people practical on the job experience that will lead to long-term employment.
“We have been working directly with industry to identify skill shortages and direct funding into training to address those needs, because we know providing the right skills is key to growing a four pillar economy.
“While we’re finally making progress locally, we know there’s more to do and our Jobs of Tomorrow plan will provide 26,000 new job and training opportunities for young Queenslanders, something in this region desperately needs.”
The LNP’s Jobs of Tomorrow plan includes:
* Doubling the Queensland Apprenticeship Pledge to 12,000 apprentices. This provides employers with up to $6,000 for each additional apprentice taken on.
* Skilling Up for Quality Jobs, to create 11,500 additional training places by allowing Queenslanders aged 15 – 24 to receive free training in priority areas under our Certificate III Guarantee, and to complete a second Certificate III where it is directly linked to local employment needs.
* Youth Incentive for Quality Jobs, to provide a one-off $2,500 incentive for employers to offer new cadetships. This will mean 4,000 new cadets, with funding targeted to those areas in the state with historically high rates of youth
unemployment.
* Pathway to a Quality Job, to help 4500 Queenslanders from disadvantaged
backgrounds get access to the skills training and education they need to get ahead
in life.
Mr Bennett said the LNP’s strong plan has the Queensland economy on track to record the strongest growth in the nation this year.
“But in uncertain times, we need a strong government to deliver a stronger Queensland,” he said.
“Only the LNP has a strong team with a strong plan to help young Queenslanders obtain the education and training they need to get the jobs of tomorrow.”