Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland is offering 22 disadvantaged job seekers paid traineeships to provide people with the skills and confidence they need to enter the workforce.

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP congratulated Lifeline on securing $624,700 state government funding through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative which, through accredited training and hands-on experience, provides participants with valuable skills, qualifications and industry experience.

Toowoomba woman Renee Perrow, 29, is currently the manager of Lifeline’s Anzac Avenue retail store and is one of the many success stories of the program.

“I was unemployed for nearly six years after finishing high school,” Miss Perrow said.

“I just didn’t have the skills or experience employers were looking for – it got to the point where I felt completely defeated,” she said.

“I was volunteering at Lifeline’s Herries Street store in 2018 when my manager encouraged me to apply for the traineeship. It was life-changing – I got paid while I learned, which made a huge difference.”

During her traineeship, Miss Perrow worked at Lifeline’s distribution centre.

By the end of her six-month traineeship, she successfully secured a role as Assistant Manager at Lifeline’s Perth Street retail store, where she worked for two years before being promoted to Manager.

Mr Janetzki said the traineeships also included wrap-around support to help participants complete their training and find a job.

“Renee’s journey from long-term unemployment to leadership within Lifeline highlights the transformative power of the program,” Mr Janetzki said.

“It completely changed the trajectory of her life and now Renee is helping others do the same,” he said.

Miss Perrow said her traineeship also gave her the confidence to interact with people.

“Before my traineeship, I was really shy and suffered from social anxiety,” she said.

“Now, I manage a team of more than 20 people, oversee store operations, and mentor others who were once in my position. I currently have two trainees, and it’s amazing to watch their confidence grow.”

Miss Perrow’s traineeship journey was not without challenges.

“My father passed away while I was completing my traineeship,” she said. 

“I had to move back in with my Mum and be the main breadwinner so she could afford the rent.

“Lifeline was incredibly supportive – they offered counselling and understanding during one of the hardest times in my life. It was, quite literally, a lifeline.”

Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Strategic Lead - Business Operations’ Angela Klein said the latest round of funding would be used to employ 12 disadvantaged job seekers at their retail stores to complete a Certificate I in Retail Services and employ 10 trainees at their distribution centre to gain a Certificate I in Workplace Skills.

Miss Klein reinforced the importance of the initiative in building confidence and employability.

“When people have been unemployed for a long time, their self-worth takes a real hit,” Miss Klein said.

“When people start earning money, socialising at work and learning new skills, their life just gets better,” she said.

“When you have confidence, your real skills and attributes shine.

“We’ve had over 500 trainees come through our doors, and many have secured permanent employment immediately after completing the program.”

The latest round of Skilling Queenslanders for Work funding has provided $49.7 million to over 100 organisations across the state, ensuring more Queenslanders have access to these vital opportunities.