The plan will revitalise the VET sector through government subsidies to grow the construction and resources industries, as well as tourism and agriculture.

It will do so by investing in training programs comprising Certificate III Guarantee, User Choice apprenticeships and traineeships, higher level skills, community learning, as well as industry partnership and indigenous training strategies.

“Key elements include the government investing $225 million in the training of apprentices and trainees through User Choice, part of our commitment to create an extra 10,000 apprenticeship commencements,” Queensland Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said.

“We will also invest $155 million to support Queenslanders without a formal qualification to achieve their first post-school Certificate III level qualification, which is considered entry-level for employment in most industry sectors.”

Construction qualifications that will attract funding include Certificate I in resources and infrastructure operations, as well as in construction, plumbing services and engineering.

Higher qualifications such as Certificate IV in building and construction and in engineering will also be subsidised.

The plan will become effective on July 1, with the majority of government VET investment to be managed through a fully contestable and demand-driven skills market.

The key features of the market include:

• A network of quality registered training organisations, pre-qualified to deliver eligible training and assessment services
• Expanded choice for individuals and employers to select the qualification and training provider that best meets their needs
• Published subsidy levels for all subsidised qualifications and skill sets
• Individual, employer and/or industry co-contribution to the cost of training
• Fully deregulated fee arrangements.

More information is available at www.training.qld.gov.au/vetinvestmentplan.