A plan to develop Queensland’s First Nations’ workforce has been developed by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.
Paving the Way – First Nations Training Strategy aims to develop skills relevant to the local needs of First Nations people and their communities.
Announcing the Strategy, Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer said it would support First Nations People to be better connected with training and skilling opportunities that linked to good and sustainable local jobs.
“It includes funding for Indigenous-led training and workforce solutions; skills and training pathway opportunities and support that meet local workforce needs, and builds cultural awareness skills and competency in local workplaces,” Ms Farmer said.
“There will be more tailored support and information to navigate training and workforce opportunities and investment in new industry and community partnerships focused on improving the participation and retention of First Nations people through the new Workforce Connect Fund.”
She said the fund would increase investment in industry and community-led projects that addressed attraction, retention, and participation issues within the workforce.
“Paving the Way recognises that skills and training development for First Nations people will be more successful when solutions are developed locally and supported by community,” Ms Farmer said.
“These relationships will be built on respect, with a focus on self-determination, Truth Telling and an open dialogue.”
Paving the Way was developed after consultation and engagement with a range of stakeholders State-wide, including regional Queensland and remote communities, focus groups and a consultation roundtable in June.
More information relating to the new Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
