Toowoomba continues to cement its position as the health and training centre for the west as another landmark is passed in the revitalisation of TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the second stage refurbishment of the health centre is complete and is training students in nursing, counselling, mental health, youth work and aged care support.
“This new centre will be training up our future healthcare workers for the fast growing industry,” Ms Fentiman said.
“The modernisation of the Toowoomba campus’s health and clinical learning facility is one of many we are undertaking at our training centres.”
“The health centre is part of a $7 million upgrade at the Toowoomba TAFE campus including the new Rural Centre of Excellence under construction.”
In the State Budget, the government committed more than $105 million to revitalize TAFE campuses across the state, to meet the training needs of the jobs of the future.
“We have also launched our free apprenticeship for anyone under 21, targeting 139 high priority qualifications including assisted care,” Ms Fentiman said.
“We have increased the training subsidy for the Diploma of Nursing by about $4,000 to attract more Queenslanders to the profession.”
“Refurbishment of the health centre is planning for future growth in the Toowoomba area,” Ms Fentiman said.
There are currently 550 students studying 19 different health and community service qualifications at Toowoomba TAFE with an additional six short courses being undertaken by 270 students.
“With the refurbished health facilities and the new Rural Centre of Excellence, once complete 400 extra students will be able to study here in Toowoomba.
“Additionally there is free tafe which provides year 12 graduates an opportunity to gain a qualification in one of 172 priority courses.
“There are 530 free tafe students at the Toowoomba TAFE proving the strength of this initiative,” Ms Fentiman said.
