Local students are set to benefit from a new student-industry collaborative learning centre at the Whitsundays TAFE campus, thanks to a $250,000 investment by the Queensland Government.
Officially opening the centre today, Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the new facility at Cannonvale would help train Queensland’s future workforce in major tourism, including hospitality, in the tourist hotspot.
“We are investing in the Whitsundays region and across North Queensland as part of Stage two of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Strategy: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs,” Minister Farmer said.
“This new student collaboration space will give students an area to meet and gather whilst training on campus which can be converted into an event space for industry engagement opportunities.
“It means students across a variety of programs can get to know each other and mingle on campus or collaborate and study in a supportive environment.
“By providing a safe, engaging and comfortable space for students to interact with their peers, we are looking forward to seeing more students continuing their studies at the campus.”
The Whitsundays campus specialises in hospitality with a full-service training restaurant and cafe operated and staffed by hospitality and cookery students, and works closely with local high schools, restaurants and nearby Island resorts to provide students with high-quality training.
Sam Manning, 23, is one of the students pursuing her passion for food and completing a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery thanks to the Queensland Government’s free TAFE training for under 25s.
“Free training gives me freedom – it means I don’t have to worry about being able to afford living expenses,” Sam said.
The apprentice chef is one of 24 students accessing free training on campus.
Minister Farmer said creating career pathways for Queenslanders was a continued focus for the Palaszczuk Government.
“Everyone should have access to quality education – it’s important for the future of all Queenslanders and it’s important for the future of Queensland’s economy,” Minister Farmer said.
“There will always be a demand for workers in tourism, technology, health and community care, and manufacturing industries, so it’s important we invest in creating a skilled workforce to keep up with this demand, not just in the Whitsundays but across the state.”
In addition to the Whitsundays campus, three other North Queensland TAFE sites have completed capital works in the last six months approximately:
Bohle TAFE – $375,000 Maker Space Innovation Hub to provide education and training areas in advancing technology.
Bowen TAFE – $200,000 to establish a student-industry collaborative learning centre to support community and healthcare training and high-end manufacturing activities.
Burdekin TAFE – $350,000 for a student-industry collaborative learning centre to support community services and early childhood education and training to ensure provision of high standard personal care services.
“Our investment in skills is at the centre of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, with more than $14.5 billion invested in recovery initiatives, boosting training and skills and keeping Queenslanders in jobs,” Minister Farmer said.
“I look forward to seeing more students complete their training and building a strong skilled workforce across Queensland.”
