The Toyota Cowboys will provide an additional 60 places to help North Queenslanders achieve their employment goals, following the club's success in the latest Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding round.
Cowboys program gains funding boost
The Cowboys' Dream, Believe, Achieve training and employment program has received $193,400 to boost opportunities through delivery of accredited courses to unemployed and disadvantaged North Queenslanders.
The program is in its fifth year of operation and has been funded by Skilling Queenslanders for Work since its inception, enabling over 70% of participants to secure long-term employment.
Cowboys general manager community Fiona Pelling said the funding will ensure continued support for locals to gain industry-recognised qualifications and convert their skills into paid employment.
"The funding and support from Skilling Queenslanders for Work will significantly contribute to continuing our work in making a real difference in North Queensland by helping our community in education and training," Ms Pelling said.
Over 480 participants have graduated from the Dream, Believe, Achieve program since 2015.
"The funding boost comes at a great time for us, as our next course starts on 21 January and we'll be able to expand our offering," Ms Pelling said.
The funding is part of an overall investment of an additional $1.8 million in Townsville to help local job seekers train for new opportunities, announced today by Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper.
"Skilling Queenslanders for Work has been delivering fantastic results with more than 1,300 locals in Townsville getting a job or going on to further training," Mr Harper said.
"Organisations like the North Queensland Cowboys have a proven track record of providing the support and assistance for participants to gain a valuable qualification, setting them up for a successful career."
Cowboys' training partner Allara Learning delivers the accredited training and industry-recognised qualifications to program participants during regular intakes each year, also providing players, including Ben Hampton who was present at today's announcement, with industry-recognised qualifications.
North Queenslanders aspiring to work in specific industry vocations can submit their expression of interest to the Cowboys before 14 January to be included in the first Dream, Believe, Achieve course for 2019.
To register, visit cowboys.com.au/DBA.
