Scenic Rim businesses are reaping the benefits of giving local job seekers a chance through the Back to Work program.
Support payments of up to $20,000 are available for eligible employers who hire eligible unemployed job seekers under the State Government initiative.
Read these Scenic Rim success stories:
Beaudesert Golf Club gives local youth a boost
The Beaudesert Golf Club has employed two young people through the Back to Work program. Both have completed 12 months employment with the support of Youth Boost funding. Emily Jennings-Attard (pictured with house manager Jess Barnes) has trained across several service areas to learn the ropes of the business.
Back to Work benefits distillery
The Tamborine Mountain Distillery has been producing and distributing specialised liqueurs and spirits for 24 years. The company has recently employed Youth Boost-eligible Brandon Jack in a full-time role as a management trainee. Owner Shumei Hou and employer Gordon Chalmers said the Back to Work funding has been a tremendous benefit to the business. It has allowed them to commit to Brandon’s training and development to a point where he is becoming an integral part of the team. His IT skills have earned him the nickname ‘Boy Wonder’ among his colleagues and some of the regular customers.
Goat Track Theatre expands through Back to Work funding
Tamborine Mountain-based company Goat Track Theatre is committed to growing the greatness of children and young people. The business has two Youth Boost eligible employees (one part-time and one full-time). Kane Spehr joined the company as a member of the administration team and Gabriel Murphy is the resident videographer. Employer Louise Bahnson said the addition of the new employees has allowed the company to restructure so that teachers and artists have more time to focus on what they do well. The addition of Kane and Gabriel to the team has also meant the company’s film offering is growing and has improved their marketing. Louise said the Back to Work SEQ funding has allowed Goat Track Theatre to expand its team and grow the business.
Mountain Medical Centre grabs Back to Work opportunity
The Mountain Medical Centre, located on Tamborine Mountain, has been approved for two full-time Youth Boost payments. Both employees were previously long-term unemployed. Employer Marama Montgomery said without the support of Back to Work funding, it would not have been easy to employ additional staff. Marama said being able to employ Tyler Gilmer and Oliver Bowers meant the business could expand and provide consistency to the local community. It has also given Marama the opportunity to grow other rural medical centres to support other communities in Queensland.
Tricia’s Hairstyling takes on apprentice through Back to Work
Lily Russell had been unemployed for three months before she was given an opportunity to recommence her apprenticeship with Tricia Hester of Tricia’s Hairstyling in Beaudesert. Tricia said the program had been great assisting with wages and enabled more time for training in the salon. Lily is set to complete her apprenticeship soon and Tricia is looking forward to having Lily as a full time qualified member of her team. Tricia said applying for the Back to Work program was an easy process to follow.
*These case studies have been supplied by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.
For more information about the Back to Work Program and how to apply, visit https://backtowork.initiatives.qld.gov.au/for-employers/
Employers wishing to apply for funding under the program should contact Principal Back to Work Employer Officer Tracy Ellul: tracy.ellul@desbt.qld.gov.au or 0436 621 433.
