New national data released today shows the do-nothing Palaszczuk Government is failing to provide training for tens of thousands of young Queenslanders.

LNP Shadow Skills and Training Minister Jarrod Bleijie said new data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research revealed over 21,000 fewer young Queenslanders were in some form of vocational training in 2016.

“These figures show the Palaszczuk Labor Government isn’t providing the training opportunities our young people need to get their first job,” Mr Bleijie said.

“When it comes to training and vocational education, Labor’s all talk and no action.

“2016 figures show 21,700 fewer Queenslanders were in some form of training, 1,100 fewer had started a training course and 3,100 fewer had finished.

“Youth unemployment is at crisis levels in regional Queensland – more than 20 per cent in the Cairns region and over 50 per cent in Outback Queensland – yet Labor’s still more interested in keeping their own jobs than they are in creating jobs for Queenslanders.”

Mr Bleijie said Labor tried to con Queenslanders at the last election with their ‘TAFEscare’ campaign, but they had failed dismally to provide a proper training framework for young Queenslanders.

“Labor’s good at glossy brochures and glib slogans but they can’t hide the fact that apprenticeship and traineeship commencements and completions have gone backwards on their watch.

“A Tim Nicholls-led LNP government would create new jobs, support small business and invest in education to raise standards.”

The LNP has a four-point plan to help get young Queenslanders working and create up to 20,000 jobs for young Queenslanders. It includes a $5,000 Queensland Apprenticeship incentive for small business, $500 Tools for Tradies vouchers; a $4,000 Job Start incentive, together with discounts on Work Cover premiums for small business.

Key facts:

• 21,700 fewer Queenslanders were in some form of training in 2016 compared to 2015; 58,100 fewer in 2016 to 2014 (under the LNP)
• 1,100 fewer Queenslanders started training in 2016 compared to 2015; 3,800 fewer in 2016 compared to 2014
• 3,100 fewer Queenslanders completed training in 2016 compared to 2015; 10,400 fewer in 2016 compared to 2014.

Source: National Centre for Vocational Education Research, December 2016 quarter released today.