Employment Skills Development Programs
Employment Skills Development Programs cover a diverse range of activities aimed at re-engaging young people (aged 15-17 years) who are at risk of leaving school or those who have left school early.
Employment Skills Development Programs can be run by a range of different organisations and government agencies and vary in length and content.
The types of activities that can be recognised as programs are courses that mainly provide informal education and training pathways that lead to employment, further training or back to school. There may also be some accredited activities that are designed to help young people become 'job ready'.
Programs can be recognised under two categories. They are:
Departmental Employment Skills Development Programs are funded by the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. One example is the Get Set for Work program. Upon successful completion of a departmental Employment Skills Development Program, participants may earn two credit points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education.
These providers have the same obligations as any other learning provider under Queensland legislation.
Non-departmental Employment Skills Development Programs are those offered or funded by other government agencies (federal, state or local), the corporate sector, registered training organisations, community-based organisations or philanthropic bodies.
These providers have no specified obligations under Queensland legislation.
Fact sheet for Employment Skills Development Programs (PDF, 29KB)
Employment Skills Development Program register
Such programs are recognised by the Queensland Training and Employment Recognition Council and have been placed on a Register of employment skills development program (XLS, 29KB). The register provides details about the programs and how to contact the provider.
Further downloads for program providers
If you provide this type of program/course to people aged 15-17 years from your own resources or on behalf on an organisation other than the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, you should seek recognition of your program and have it placed on the register. This will enable young people to continue to participate and help their parents comply with the law.
Frequestly asked questions for providers (PDF, 27KB)
Steps to apply for recognition of an employment skills development program (PDF, 24KB)
Principles for employment skills development programs (PDF, 40KB)
