Skills development in Queensland is a key priority for the state government. This is a strategic initiative that will help Queenslanders build a strong and prosperous future. Skills development is a multi-faceted initiative that includes education, training, and job opportunities. The Palaszczuk Government has committed A$1.2 billion over the next four years to support skills training and industry development.

Developing skills requires a combination of formal and informal learning. A formal learning experience can lead to formal recognition in industry and by regulatory agencies. Developing skills that employers are seeking in employees is an important component of workforce development in Queensland. Through training and certification, workers can gain valuable skills for their job.

AITC and BUSY At Work have partnered to deliver Australian Apprenticeship Support Network services to Queensland students. The two organisations have a long history of working together to increase young people's career options in Queensland. The preferred partnership agreement between the two organisations will support services the delivery of the AITC's Apprenticeship and Traineeship programs in Queensland.

PSETA, the public service's training body, works to develop a coherent education system. It coordinates the work of standards-generating bodies and works with departments to identify and register learnerships. In addition, it administers learnership agreements and issues certificates. It also works with industry to improve the employability of the workforce.

In addition to enhancing skills, a government training policy encourages employers to hire apprentices and trainees and to undertake workforce training. This is a key element of the government's industry development strategy. During the construction process, contractors are required to train and employ apprentices and trainees as a minimum of ten per cent of labour hours on eligible projects. This percentage can be increased by the Department of Employment based on individual circumstances.

The state is also positioned to benefit from the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Queensland in April 2018. More than 7,000 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations are expected to compete for the title of international sporting excellence. The Commonwealth Games are also having an impact on the region's construction industry, with the rate of construction apprentices increasing in recent years.

The Public Service Education and Training Authority, or PSETA, is responsible for integrating education and training and developing a new system to meet the needs of government departments. Through this initiative, the Public Service can address the needs of individual employees and the needs of government departments through the implementation of Workplace Skills Plans.