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Get Set for Work
Schooling laws require all young Queenslanders to stay in education or training after Year 10 until they have turned 17, or have one of the following:
- a Queensland Certificate of Education
- a Certificate III vocational qualification
- a full-time job.
The Queensland Government will invest $10.6 million per year in the Get Set for Work program which is part of the Education and Training Reforms for the Future and delivered under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
On this page:
- Who the program assists
- Aim of the program
- What's on offer
- How schools are involved
- Who is eligible for funding
- How to apply
- Further information
Who the program assists
Get Set for Work is primarily targeted at young people who:
- have left school early
- are ‘at risk’ of doing so before completing Year 12
- are unsure of where to go next
- are not ready to commit to formal education or vocational training.
Aim of the program
These young people have unique needs, and the aim of the program is to create a transition pathway for them towards getting a job, returning to school, or continuing with other education or training.
Young people who successfully complete the program gain two credit points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education.
What's on offer
Get Set for Work builds participants’ self-esteem and confidence and prepares them for work by offering them:
- personal development and team-building activities to help them learn the social skills necessary in the workforce
- referral and links to support services for personal and social issues
- help to improve their literacy and numeracy
- opportunities for work experience and hands-on development of vocational skills
- job preparation, resume writing and interview skills
- information about jobs and careers in the local area
- opportunities to move on to work, traineeships and apprenticeships or other training
- continued support after they’ve completed the program to help them stay in work, or finish training or further education.
The Get Set for Work program runs continually, so new starters can join at any time as places become available.
How schools are involved
Schools can refer students to Get Set for Work if, after working through the available school and TAFE programs, the school staff, the young person, and their parents still believe that preparing for work is the most suitable pathway.
Schools also have a responsibility to keep in contact with Get Set for Work participants.
Who is eligible for funding
Organisations eligible for funding include:
- not-for-profit community organisations
- training providers
- schools
- other bodies that can demonstrate strong community and employer links and proven success and experience in working with young people.
Get Set for Work has an application process for awarding grants.
Funded organisations are required to deliver services on a project basis in a community setting. They are not required to conform to a single service delivery model, and can tailor services and activities to meet group and individual needs and local circumstances.
How to apply
Young people still at school who think that Get Set for Work sounds right for them should see their student guidance officer for information on how to join the program.
- Get Set for Work - Guidelines for funding (PDF, 329 KB)
- Get Set for Work - Factsheet (PDF, 121 KB)
Further information
Interested organisations and young people not at school who would like to know more about the program or who their local Get Set for Work provider is should contact:
- the Employment Hotline on 1300 369 925
- their district Education Queensland office
- the local ETRF (Education and Training Reforms for the Future) coordinator on 1300 650 220
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