June Edition

Welcome to the June 2022 edition of the South East Region DESBT Connections.

Our Connections newsletter is designed to provide our stakeholders with links and updates on information which is relevant to our region.

This month, the Queensland Government released The 2022–23 Queensland Budget which will underpin more jobs in more industries such as renewable energy, new economy minerals, advanced manufacturing, biomedical technology, agriculture, tourism and education services, and creative and design industries. It will help grow our skilled workforce and attract more overseas investment to Queensland. Department of Employment, Small Business and Training will continue to deliver support and programs with the support of extra funds as outlined in the Budget link below.

The South East Region Queensland Training Awards in July will recognise excellence in training, showcasing the top achievers in 11 award categories. Talk to your colleagues and industry networks about joining in the celebration and take the opportunity to meet the stars of the VET system and to network with industry leaders.

Today also saw the release of the most recent report by Queensland Training Ombudsman. This report centred on the apprentice experience and the support they receive. A key focus area was woman in male dominated areas, highlighting the importance of having a workplace that caters for a diverse workforce.

Feel free to forward this newsletter to your networks.

Brett Haagsma

Regional Director, South East Region

Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

P: 1800 210 210 E: southtraining@desbt.qld.gov.au W: desbt.qld.gov.au

South East Region Queensland Training Awards

2022 - 2023 Budget - Impact to Small Business and Training and Skills

$39 million investment in Small Business

Delivering relief to small and medium sized business through payroll tax cuts will benefit more than 12,000 businesses with payrolls under $10.4 million and can save up to $26,000 per year.

Mentoring for Growth (M4G) will continue to provide support to small business owners across the state providing a fresh outlook, new ideas and can open the door to new opportunities to small business. See links to sessions below.

Small Business Wellness and Support packages will be available to help those hardest hit by the pandemic and recent floods.

$1.2 billion for skills and training creating bright futures and a strong economy

The Queensland Government’s commitment to skills and training remains a priority with more than $1.2 billion invested to continue delivering high quality training and creating exciting career pathways for Queenslanders.

In 2021 – 2022 more than 52,000 Queenslanders started as an apprentice of trainee, ensuring we have local talent to relieve pressure on employers now and into the future.

For more information about the State Budget visit budget.qld.gov.au

5110. Di Farmer MP, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development joined the Queensland Training Ombudsman and industry stakeholders to hear firsthand how we can break down barriers for all apprentices, with a particular focus on women in male dominated trades.
      
      Our apprentices are our future and we need to work better together with businesses, schools and industry partners to create workplaces and systems that forge a pathway for our apprentices to build solid careers and continue to support industries.
      
      Leading industry stakeholders shared their insights on how we can better attract, support and retain all apprentices, with a focus on women in male dominated trades.
      
      This event featured the release of the Queensland Training Ombudsman’s report - a Review of Support Provided to Queensland Apprentices, With a Focus on Women in Male Dominated Trades.

Business Events

Payroll tax in Queensland
Join this webinar to help prepare your payroll tax annual return. Topics include taxable and non-taxable wages, rebates and discounts, and lodging your return.

Mentoring for Growth
Register for a 45-minute mentoring session to discuss an identified business challenge or opportunity. There are multiple sessions available per day.

https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-assistance/events

SQW Announcement/Pending

We are eagerly awaiting the announcement of successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work providers for Round 1 2022-2023. Keep an eye out on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work page for funded programs - link below.

Frizelle Sunshine Automotive Group engaged with 23 school-based apprentices in conjunction with the Australian Industry Trade College and other Gold Coast Secondary Schools, using 'live' vehicles to demonstrate the latest automotive engineering and technological practices.

The great news is that the majority of these school-based apprentices have now been converted to full-time apprenticeships with Frizelle Sunshine now that they have completed their schooling.

Next month will herald an additional information session with Frizelle Sunshine, teaming up again with local Gold Coast Secondary Schools with an expected outcome that a further 40 school-based apprentices will be taken on by the Group.

Some advantages of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs):

• More flexibility and variety - Benefits for young people who prefer hands-on learning to traditional schooling pathways.
• Head start in a career - Develop workplace skills, knowledge and confidence and have a competitive edge when applying for jobs. A SAT can lead directly to full-time employment once a student has left school.
• Nationally recognised qualification
• An opportunity to learn and earn - Students paid while they learn workplace skills, gain confidence, and adapt to a work environment. It gives the student the opportunity to put skills learnt at school and the training organisation, into practice in a real work environment.
• Contributing to the community - Make a real difference by motivating young people to work towards their future goals and giving them realistic exposure to the industry or sector.
• Employer satisfaction - Help individuals gain new skills and confidence in a work environment.

$15 million Tourism Experience Development Fund

In an aim to drive demand for Queensland destinations and meet consumer preferences for enhanced tourism products, the Queensland Government has announced the launch of a new $15 million Tourism Experience Development Fund.

Grants between $50,000 and $200,000 are on offer to deliver new and compelling tourism products and experiences, with applicants required to contribute at least 75 per cent of the total project cost.

Applicants must be a private sector (for-profit) business, a not-for-profit organisation or local government authority with a tourism-related focus.

To be considered for funding, projects should include high growth attributes, such as:

• Ecotourism
• Accessible and inclusive tourism
• First Nations experiences, and
• Adventure tourism

Full details of the Fund can found on the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport webpage.
Applications for funding can be submitted through the Smartygrants portal on the Department's website from 15 July.
Applications close on 26 August 2022.

Capability Statement 

Help your business stand out from the crowd and improve your chance of securing contracts by attending a Queensland Government hosted capability statement online workshop.

These interactive workshops help businesses develop and prepare effective capability statements.

Date: Thursday, 11 August 2022

Time: 10.00 am - 11.00 am