MORE than 5000 pathways to employment were created last year through the Crisafulli Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, with a new round of funding now open to support Redlanders into meaningful jobs.
Member for Redlands Rebecca Young MP recently attended a Skilling Queenslanders for Work graduation at Redland City Council, where participants celebrated completing qualifications including Certificate III in Nursery Operations and Certificate III in Hospitality.
“Completing a Certificate III qualification is no small achievement,” Mrs Young said.
“These are practical, hands-on qualifications that take commitment, teamwork and resilience.
“I was incredibly proud to see local participants graduate knowing they had turned up, worked hard, learned new skills and delivered to the standard employers expect.”
Mrs Young said the graduation highlighted the impact of programs designed to support people facing barriers to employment.
“Programs like this exist because the Crisafulli Government believes in giving people a real opportunity to get ahead, not talk, not theory, but real training, real work and real jobs,” she said.
“Seeing those graduates walk across the stage in Redlands was a powerful reminder of why these programs matter. It’s about creating real pathways into employment and helping people build confidence in their abilities and their future.”
The program funded 180 projects across Queensland last year, creating 5,443 pathways to employment for people who may otherwise struggle to find work.
Mrs Young said the latest funding round presented a fresh opportunity for local organisations to deliver similar outcomes in the Redlands.
“In Redlands we have incredible community organisations and training providers who understand the needs of our local workforce and the people in our community,” she said.
“I encourage local organisations to apply so we can create even more opportunities for Redlanders to gain skills, find work and build better futures.”
The $80 million Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative supports projects that provide training, work experience and employment pathways, while also helping address workforce shortages in key industries.
“Across Queensland we’re seeing strong demand for skilled workers in industries like construction, health, community services and hospitality,” Mrs Young said.
“This program helps connect people with real opportunities while strengthening the industries our communities rely on.”
Funding is available through three program streams: Community Work Skills, Work Skills Traineeships, and Get Set for Work, including Youth Skills for people aged 15 to 24.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates MP said the initiative continued to deliver strong results.
“Skilling Queenslanders for Work was wildly successful last year, and I expect this year to deliver even more opportunities for Queenslanders,” Minister Bates said.
Applications for the 2026–27 funding round close on Thursday, 7 May 2026, with a further round expected later in the year.
More information is available at www.qld.gov.au/skillingqueenslanders
