First National Green Jobs Corps project underway

Parliamentary Secretary for Employment Jason Clare today visited the first National Green Jobs Corps project underway at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary in Queensland.

The National Green Jobs Corps will give up to 10,000 young people the opportunity to develop green skills through 26 weeks of accredited training and work experience. The program will make environmental improvements now while helping to develop the green skills that will increasingly be needed in the labour market of the future.

“The National Green Jobs Corps is targeted at young people who have not finished year 12 or an equivalent qualification because skills count,” Mr Clare said.

“Young people who haven't finished high school are more likely to be unemployed.

“That's why the National Green Jobs Corps is so important. It provides young people with accredited training that will help give them the skills that they need for the jobs of the future.”

The young people participating in the Currumbin project over the next six months will be working in the animal hospital, supporting native wildlife recovery, protecting endangered animals and plants and learning about local Indigenous history and culture.

“Another 30 National Green Jobs Corps projects will be starting around the country in the next month. Many of these projects will be in Priority Employment Areas where the Government is going the extra mile to protect jobs and develop skills,” Mr Clare said.

The Australian Government is investing $79.6 million in the National Green Jobs Corps over the next two years.

For further information on National Green Jobs Corps, visit www.deewr.gov.au/ngjc.