Skilling Queenslanders for Work for Employers

First Start is one of eight programs that make up the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative. The program aims to provide young people and disadvantaged job seekers with opportunities to gain a nationally recognised qualification and 12 months paid employment by undertaking a subsidised traineeship with a local council or a community-based

organisation (CBO).

Funding under First Start is specifically targeted at new employees and will provide eligible organisations with a significant subsidy to boost their traineeship commencements above their normal workforce levels.

Specifically, First Start will:

- Provide immediate job opportunities

- Encourage people to enter into skills-based training

- Keep Queenslanders earning and learning

- Guarantee a pool of skilled workers is available as the economy recovers and grows.

In 2024-25, $6.0 million will be available for local councils across Queensland to create 300 new traineeships and support 100 new apprenticeships.

Up to $2.4 million will also be available for CBOs to create 120 new traineeships.

- Local councils, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander councils, and statutory authorities

- Incorporated not-for-profit CBOs.

Eligible organisations must be community-based and must not operate in a commercially competitive environment.