Calling on young environment enthusiasts
Vibrant young people wanting to make a difference and conserve Queensland's precious environment are invited to become members of the Queensland Youth Environment Council and advise government on key issues.
Environment Minister Vicky Darling and Education Minister Cameron Dick met with QYEC member, Sam Harvey, to discuss the council's latest project to empower students to run an environment club in their secondary school and promote sustainability across their school campuses.
"QYEC provides an opportunity for young people to provide their perspective on environment issues and about Queensland's future," Ms Darling said.
"I am delighted to endorse QYEC's JUST ONE policy scheduled to be rolled out across secondary schools this year which includes online auditing tools, project planning, activities and environment clubs.
"As one individual, as one class, as one school or as one group, everybody has the capacity to make a difference, no matter how large or small.
"Today's youth are going to inherit a changing climate and the associated impacts - it's just so important for them to be part of the solution.
QYEC reports to the Environment Minister and Education Minister.
Education Minister Cameron Dick said Council members also acted as youth leaders to enhance awareness and inspire other young people to take action to achieve a more environmentally sustainable future for Queensland.
"QYEC provides a fantastic opportunity for council members to engage and educate other Queensland youth," Mr Dick said.
"We are looking to appoint members reflecting the geographic, cultural, age and gender diversity of Queensland's young people.
"The current Council has engaged with ministers on issues such as renewable energy, water, national parks, and climate change, and spread its message to other young people at events including University O-weeks, the World Environmental Education Congress and by hosting Re-fashion (recycled clothing) parades.".
Applications are now open and will close on 2 March 2012. The first meeting of the new Council will be held in May 2012.
The Queensland Youth Environment Council website www.qyec.org.au provides further information on the Council, and the application process.
2011 Qld Youth Parliament Member for Chatsworth
with Steve Kilburn MP
SKILLS & TRAINING & JOBS – What’s out there?
TAFE Queensland
http://www.tafe.qld.gov.au/ : This link contains an extensive range of information about TAFE Queensland services along with links to the individual institutes and campuses throughout the State. Other links include:
· Information for employers who may wish to employ TAFE students;
· Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL);
· Information for International Students;
· How to apply for a job;
· Flexible learning options, eg. online course delivery; and
· Course fees and payment options.
Information on funding and incentives including VET fee help information is at this link: http://www.tafe.qld.gov.au/student_services/course_fees/financial.html
TAFE hotline: 1300 30 8233
Registered Training Organisations
http://training.qld.gov.au/industry/ppp/training-available/index.html : This webpage contains links to details about registered training organisations (RTOs) delivering services in various Queensland regions.
www.training.qld.gov.au is also a great one stop website with links to many of the information sources and initiatives mentioned below located on one easy to navigate page.
Training Queensland hotline: 1300 369 935
Skilling Solutions Queensland (SSQ)
http://www.skillingsolutions.qld.gov.au/ : A free advice service offered in shop fronts around Queensland where jobseekers can go to discuss how to get into the career they want.
Skilling Solutions Queensland also do referrals for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) which can be of assistance in fast tracking people with some experience, including casual jobs while in school experience for example, into Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) to get various qualifications. In some cases, the jobseeker might be eligible for Govt funding to do the training.
Check for a location or mobile van stop near you here: http://www.skillingsolutions.qld.gov.au/locations/index.html
Hotline: 1300 654 687
Apprenticeships & Traineeships
http://www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au/apprentices/become-apprentice/five-steps/ : This website has great info for anyone researching apprenticeship or traineeship options and includes other links of interest such as:
· Seek, Career One, Smart Jobs (for apprenticeships/traineeships within Queensland Government); and
· http://www.jobguide.deewr.gov.au/ where a job seeker can register and look for jobs, including government jobs online.
Hotline: 1800 210 210
Older Workers
http://www.experiencepays.qld.gov.au/ : This website contains some great publications, tips and links for older workers looking a late career change or wishing to re-enter the workforce.
It also contains information for employers on the value that mature age employees add to the workforce in Queensland and how to recruit, retrain and retain these workers.
Employment Opportunities – growth industries in Queensland
http://www.opportunities.qld.gov.au/ : This website provides information about Queensland’s key growth industries and how to be a part of it.
http://www.industry.qld.gov.au/key-industries/648.htm : This link features a run down on the job opportunities that will arise with the growth of the LNG / CSG industry in Queensland.
Job Services Australia (Federal Government)
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/JSA/Pages/default.aspx : Job Services Australia (JSA) is the most appropriate first step for job seekers – especially those receiving Centrelink support payments.
Job Services Australia provides tailored assistance to job seekers with advice about and referrals to opportunities for training, skills development and work experience.
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/Pages/ConnectingPeopleWJobs.aspx : JSA’s Connecting People with Jobs assists long term job seekers to relocate from areas of high unemployment to take up full time work and apprenticeships through financial and other assistance.
A wage subsidy is also available for employers taking on a relocating job seeker in an ongoing position.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work - employment preparation programs
http://www.employment.qld.gov.au/programs/sqw/index.htm : This link contains information about a range of programs delivered with State Government funding under the popular Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, including Green Army, Indigenous Employment and the Community Literacy Program.
Skilling Queenslanders for Work programs are suitable for people who:
· need / want a bit of work experience prior to commencing a traineeship (eg. First Start);
· wish to gain some accreditation towards a qualification eg. Cert I or II;
· need extra support and basic skills training prior to entering the workforce (eg. Participate in Prosperity); or
· are at risk from disengaging from the education system and workforce (eg. Get Set for Work).
Skills Queensland
http://www.skills.qld.gov.au/ : Skills Queensland is an industry-led statutory authority established to strengthen Queensland's economic base by providing a skilled workforce that meets the current and future needs of industry and the community.
Skills Queensland’s State Government funded $50 million Strategic Investment Fund was officially launched by the Premier during Mackay Regional Parliament (media statement here: http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=74864 ).
Skills Queensland is leading delivery of the $83 million Jobs and Skills Package, a joint State-Federal initiative to help disaster affected communities get back on their feet by sustaining jobs and keeping apprentices in work and training (see JSP newsletter updates and website for more details).
Phone: 3836 0020
Enrol to Vote
Have you enrolled to vote? Are the eligibile voters you live with on the correct electoral roll?Enrol to vote so that you can make your voice heard.
http://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/weeblylink_new_window
Driving/Licensing
Queensland Transport's website has a range of information for young drivers, including the graduated licensing system, L and P plate templates and fact sheets.
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/.weeblylink_new_window
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/.weeblylink_new_window
18+ Card
The 18+ Card is an alternative if you don't have a passport or a drivers license demonstrating proof of age.
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Licensing/Card-18-plus/How-to-apply-for-a-Card-18-plus.aspxweeblylink_new_window
http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Licensing/Card-18-plus/How-to-apply-for-a-Card-18-plus.aspxweeblylink_new_window
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training with working in a real job, for a real boss while earning a real wage. Learn how to get the career you want with an apprenticeship or traineeship.
http://www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au/weeblylink_new_window
http://www.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au/apprentices/index.htmlweeblylink_new_window
http://www.apprenticeshipsinfo.qld.gov.au/weeblylink_new_window
http://www.trainandemploy.qld.gov.au/apprentices/index.htmlweeblylink_new_window
Create It, Make It, Live It
Information on careers in manufacturing for young people.
http://www.createitmakeitliveit.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/v4/apps/web/content.cfm?id=1672&m=pweeblylink_new_window
http://www.createitmakeitliveit.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/v4/apps/web/content.cfm?id=1672&m=pweeblylink_new_window
Students, Education, Learning and Universities
Education Queensland's Students and Higher Education web pages provide information on student issues and university study options in Queensland.
http://education.qld.gov.au/students/weeblylink_new_window
http://www.qld.gov.au/about/education-and-learning/weeblylink_new_window
http://education.qld.gov.au/students/higher-education/weeblylink_new_window
http://education.qld.gov.au/students/weeblylink_new_window
http://www.qld.gov.au/about/education-and-learning/weeblylink_new_window
http://education.qld.gov.au/students/higher-education/weeblylink_new_window
Queensland Government Youth Services
This website is a place for young people to find out about a range of items of interest to young people including Schoolies week, legal help and youth affairs.
http://www.qld.gov.au/about/health-and-communities/community-services/youth.htmlweeblylink_new_window
http://www.qld.gov.au/about/health-and-communities/community-services/youth.htmlweeblylink_new_window
Queensland Youth Parliament
The YMCA Youth Parliament is a valuable and unique youth forum where young people are placed in the role of a Member of Parliament, See this website for more information on the timetable, selection process and how to get involved.
http://www.ymcaqyp.org/weeblylink_new_window
http://www.ymcaqyp.org/weeblylink_new_window
Queensland Youth Environmental Council
The Council, established in May 2007, comprises 30 young people (aged between 16 and 25 years) from across the State, who meet twice a year to consider and provide advice to the Queensland Government on specific environmental sustainability issues.
http://www.qyec.org.au/weeblylink_new_window
http://www.qyec.org.au/weeblylink_new_window