A new Queensland TAFE Centre of Excellence – Construction Tech will be established to help boost trade skills in the state ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The $73.8 million centre will operate across TAFE Queensland campuses and will include extra purpose-built construction tech training facilities in Caloundra and Moreton Bay.
The Caloundra and Moreton Bay facilities are due for completion in 2028.
In a joint statement, the Federal and State Governments said the new centre was aimed at developing the pipeline of workers needed for the construction industry in Queensland and nationally.
“It will make it easier and faster for Australians to get into construction jobs by recognising prior learning, offering flexible training opportunities and using simulated and virtual training,” the statement said.
“The centre will also deliver training to help small-to-medium construction businesses leverage emerging technology to boost productivity, enhance safety and reduce costs.”
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the new state‑of‑the‑art facilities would give Queenslanders access to modern construction training that reflected how work was done on modern building sites.
“Students will be able to train in simulated worksites and digital hubs, gaining the practical, job‑ready skills they need to step straight into construction careers,’” Mr Giles said.
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the initiative would go a long way towards addressing skills shortages in Queensland.
