Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall said the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative had committed $77,800 to the project.

"Poor language, literacy and numeracy skills are barriers keeping many people out of the workforce or the training courses they need to find jobs," Mr Wettenhall said.

"The Intense Mobile Literacy Program offers one-on-one assistance to build up participants' skills, self-confidence and motivation to help them take the next steps towards employment."

Mr Wettenhall said taking the project to communities on the Atherton Tablelands was a wonderful opportunity for people struggling to find work.

"The Vocational Partnerships Group staff can help people with career information, transition planning, mentoring and life skills training as well as addressing people's language, literacy and numeracy needs," Mr Wettenhall said.

"Good communication skills are important in any workplace and are also vital to anyone pursuing further education and training and having easy access to this project will be a great help to unemployed people looking to improve their skills and work options."

Vocational Partnerships Group chief executive officer Bobby May said the project last year had generated a lot of community interest.

"We assisted 76 people last year and 22 found jobs while 49 went on to other training courses," Ms May said.

"The Intense Mobile Literacy Project assists people to develop the necessary skills to open more doors to get into the workforce.

"This training is a valuable stepping stone for people who need a bit of training to pursue their work goals."

During 2009, the Queensland Government will invest $81 million in Skilling Queenslanders for Work to give an estimated 15,000 long-term unemployed and underemployed people job-related assistance and skills training.

Twelve months after receiving employment and training assistance, 71 per cent of participants are in employment.

For more information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925.
ENDS

Media Enquiries: Vocational Partnerships Group - Bobby May 4032 1677

28 April 2009