CQU, WHIRS and the QLD Government help upskill CQ's disadvantaged

A cohort of 15 dedicated Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants did not let the pandemic stand in their way of completing a Certificate III in Community Services with CQUniversity.

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative' funded by the Queensland Government' provided participants with the opportunity to undertake the national recognised VET qualification together with tailored support to facilitate their transition into employment and/or further education.

Through an extended period of two months' participants were provided with post placement support' consisting of extended case management and further assistance in job searching skills and networking.

Eight participants have gained employment in the local community services industry while two participants have enrolled in Diploma of Community Services.

CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp congratulated the graduates and emphasised how important their achievements are.

"Equipped with new knowledge' skills and innovative mindsets' our students now enter the workforce with a unique power to make a real difference in the lives of others'" Professor Klomp said.

"They hold a key to actively change not only their own lives' but the lives around them and those within our community' for the better. I look forward to witnessing the onward impact of their achievements in our community."

Graduate Sandi Fehihaber thanked the Women's Health Information and Referral Service CQ Inc. (WHIRS) and CQUniversity for the support and opportunity to gain this certificate and reflected on how much it means to her.

"For me being a stay at home mum for the past 12 years' and to be able to get out there and do this' is a great achievement'" she said.

"I have since gained employment and met so many new friends along the way. It has been absolutely amazing."

The Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative assists up to 15 000 disadvantaged Queenslanders each year to gain the skills' qualifications' and experience to enter and stay in the workforce.

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