Funding to grow skills for Southern Downs

10 May 2021 

The Southern Downs Industry Education Association (SDIEA) was successful in receiving funding for three Community Work Skills projects under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

Ian Jamieson, the Southern Downs Regional Skills Investment Strategy (RSIS) Project Coordinator situated within Council, made important connections between Employers, Registered Training Organisations and community organisations including SDIEA based off feedback from the Southern Downs RSIS Reference Group. Feedback received from employers through the Reference Group has pointed to skills gaps on the Southern Downs in the areas of Health and Aged Care, Food Manufacturing and Tourism. The training facilitated by SDIEA through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program will assist participants to enter these industry sectors by allowing them to complete qualifications that provide job ready skills.

Chiara Farrell, General Manager SDIEA and Ian Jamieson, Regional Skills Investment Strategy (RSIS) Project Coordinator (SDRC)

The Regional Skills Investment Strategy (RSIS) Project is a partnership between Council and the Department of Small Business and Training (DESBT) through which skills gaps and job demands in three target sectors were identified. 

Southern Downs Mayor Vic Pennisi said SDIEA offered life-changing training opportunities to disadvantaged Queenslanders which could hopefully translate into gainful employment.

“Workforce development is a key priority of Council’s Economic Development Strategy which aims to train or upskill a work-ready workforce for Southern Downs to support economic development and business growth.”

Commencing in June, the latest round of funding will see SDIEA deliver local training programs targeting employment growth in warehousing, hospitality and individual support and issue the following certificates:

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Warwick and Stanthorpe)
• Certificate II in Warehousing Operations (Warwick)
• Certificate II in Hospitality (Stanthorpe)

“Council is proud to throw its support behind a local organisation like SDIEA, and as the Southern Downs emerges post-COVID-19, this training will see local people upskilled in areas where local employers are needing staff,” Mayor Pennisi said.

“When you consider the range of major projects currently underway on the Southern Downs that include either the expansion or establishment of warehouses and new industries, the skills offered within these three programs will be gold in the hands of locals looking for stable employment opportunities within the region.”

Since 2015, SDIEA has assisted 641 disadvantaged Queenslanders with over 60 per cent of exited participants gaining employment outcome.

Over the years, SDIEA has partnered with many local organisations including Council, Warwick Showgrounds, Stanthorpe River Improvement Trust, Friends of Mt Marley, Granite Belt Rare Wildflower Consortium, Killarney Pony Club, Killarney Show and Rodeo Society, Warwick High School, Headspace, Lives Lived Well, Killarney KAPA, Mane Matters and Warwick Cowboys Football Club amongst others.