Employment, Small Business and Training Minister Shannon Fentiman hosted a jobs and skills roadshow on Thursday at Bundaberg TAFE.
The event was held to highlight training and support opportunities for small businesses in the region.
A panel of experts addressed how employers, small businesses and employees could obtain support during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our plan ‘unite and recover for Queensland jobs’ is all about supporting skills growth, assisting our local industries and investing in future proofing infrastructure,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Never before has this level of support been made available for Bundaberg.
“There are almost $200 million in small business grants on offer, energy rebates, payroll tax relief and we are supporting businesses to take on an apprentice or trainee through our Back to Work program with incentives of up to $20,000.”
Executive director of education and training at TAFE Queensland East Coast Region, Mark Reilly, said the panel sought to address the difficulties many individuals and local businesses were facing during COVID-19.
“Today is all about having a panel conversation around jobs from local business representatives,” he said.
“They’re answering questions about what’s happening regionally within Bundaberg, particularly around small business and jobs growth.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey welcomed the Minister’s visit to Bundaberg, adding it’s important to support local small businesses and employees.
“It was great to welcome Minister Fentiman to Bundaberg,” he said.
“I’d like to thank her for the commitment she’s placed on jobs and the importance of providing a holistic approach that sees schools, universities and TAFE, along with employers and all levels of Government working together to support jobs in the region.
“Supporting businesses through the challenges they face now will provide new opportunities for workers customers, clients and suppliers in the future.”
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