PRODUCTIVITY PLACES

The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, and the Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O'Connor, said that since April 2008, over 110 000 Australians have enrolled in the Rudd Government's $2 billion Productivity Places Program, with 86 912 commencing training and over 40 000 completing training. Of the 110 000 enrolments, more than half were certificate III qualifications or above and the greatest number of enrolments were in children's services and aged care. The Productivity Places Program provides participants with new skills and qualifications that can lead to a pathway of further training and employment.