Investing in job-ready young Tasmanians

More young Tasmanians will be supported to be job-ready with the 2025-26 interim Budget investing an additional $500,000 into Troublesmiths.

Delivered by not-for-profit Workskills Tasmania, Troublesmiths’ new funding furthers its mission of supporting young people to build confidence and engage in work opportunities.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the long-term funding supports Troublesmiths to continue its evidence-based social enterprise, and to expand offerings across the State.  

“This interim Budget looks to the future with optimism and a dedicated sense of purpose, building on the success of the past decade,” Premier Rockliff said.

“We know the best way to get ready for work is by getting a foot in the door, and Troublesmiths gives young people that unique opportunity.

“The young people accessing Troublesmiths may face challenges engaging in school and employment and this program gives them extra support to unlock their potential.

“We’ve heard from graduates that their experience through Troublesmiths’ practical, tailored programs helped them to gain that confidence.”

Premier Rockliff said social enterprises like Troublesmiths, in collaboration with employers and our Regional Jobs Hubs, play a vital role in strengthening the Tasmanian community by generating economic benefits that are reinvested locally, creating real impact.

“Today’s funding announcement is an investment in our state’s future prosperity and our young people; and by purchasing Troublesmiths’ unique products, every Tasmanian can support this home-grown initiative,” Premier Rockliff said.

“Through Tasmania’s first Youth Jobs Strategy, we are ensuring young Tasmanians are empowered and supported to access meaningful education, training or employment opportunities and Troublesmiths is a great example of that ambition in action.

“By ensuring we have an active workforce, we are backing in and working alongside our valued business community, ensuring they can continue to be the engine room of our economy.

“We are focussed on lifting the participation rate through initiatives in public transport, education, skills, training and workforce development.”

Workskills Tasmania chief executive officer, Andrew Paynter, said the Tasmanian Government has been a vital partner in Troublesmiths’ journey over the past five years.

"This funding ensures young people have real opportunities to prepare for work and build their future with confidence," Mr Paynter said.

"It also gives us the stability to plan ahead and reach more young Tasmanians who need a chance to get started.”

Troublesmiths has already assisted more than 220 participants since 2023 supported by previous Tasmanian Government funding.

Troublesmiths was successful through the recent Workforce Participation and Training Program, which will see an additional 176 young people over the next two years engage in the program, in addition to the funding announced today.

“Our Government believes in strong finances, strong services and strong families, which together deliver a strong future for Tasmania,” Premier Rockliff said.

“There are so many opportunities on offer in Tasmania, and we are making sure that young Tasmanians are supported to take up those opportunities.”