Training Queensland’s future tradies has started on the Gold Coast at the new $6.1 million Ashmore TAFE plumbing tower, jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments.
Marking the official opening of the new facility, the Federal Assistant Minister for Education Senator Anthony Chisholm joined the Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer at Ashmore TAFE, TAFE Queensland’s largest campus on the Gold Coast.
Emphasising the Federal Government’s commitment to quality skills and training, Senator Chisholm said the state-of-the-art facility is exactly what industry needs to help train the future skilled workers in the region.
“The Albanese Government acknowledges that there is great demand for more skilled workers in trades as Queensland’s economy continues to power through from the impacts of COVID,” Senator Chisholm said.
“We know Southeast Queensland, in particular is experiencing significant growth and at the same time, dealing with worker shortages.
“Training more workers in new and industry standard facilities like the Ashmore TAFE plumbing tower will be critical to help facilitate that growth.
The Ashmore TAFE plumbing tower project received $1.75M from the Australian Government with an additional investment of almost $4.4M by the Queensland Government. The new three-storey plumbing tower includes approximately 1000m2 of practical plumbing teaching areas.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said this investment shows the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to creating a highly skilled future workforce in Queensland.
“From plumbing to construction, and automotive to horticulture, the Ashmore TAFE campus is home to trades training for the region,” Minister Farmer said.
“This investment will support almost 800 students currently enrolled in plumbing training at Ashmore and means TAFE can continue to support increased enrolments, ensuring we have a bigger pipeline of qualified plumbers coming into the industry.
“With almost $28 million invested into upgrading, renewing and building new facilities at Ashmore TAFE since 2017, this campus is also now meeting the training demand for construction-related trades, as well as electrotechnology, refrigeration, renewable energies and data and communications.”
Gold Coast-based Palaszczuk Government Minister Meaghan Scanlon welcomed the latest investment in construction skills and TAFE, with construction easily one of the most popular study areas on the Gold Coast.
“TAFE has boomed on the Gold Coast, with a 24 per cent increase in enrolments last financial year,” Minister Scanlon said.
“Construction companies are hungry for skilled employees, and this latest development will only create good jobs and unlock plenty of new opportunities.
“It’s an critical investment that adds to our government’s ongoing support to help skill young Queenslanders, like our free apprenticeships and TAFE for under 25s.”
A proud Bigambul woman, Summer Hodge is a second year plumbing apprentice employed by local Gold Coast employer, McKenzie’s Plumbing Services.
The former accountant gave up her career to start a family and now, after raising three children, Summer is following her passion and will complete her Certificate III in Plumbing at the new facility.
“I’m excited to start training in the new Plumbing Tower. It’s purpose-built and I’ll be using the same equipment and learning the industry-standard skills that I’ll need when I’m out on jobs.
“I may soon be the only CPA (Chartered Accountant) on the Gold Coast with a plumbing trade qualification – how cool is that?”
Minister Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to skills and training remains one of the highest priorities with more than $1.2 billion invested in the 2022-23 State Budget to continue delivering high quality training and creating exciting career pathways for Queenslanders.
“Every dollar we invest in skills and training for Queenslanders pays dual dividends – it enriches the lives and employment prospects of students, and it fuels the state’s economy through a highly trained workforce,” Minister Farmer said.
“We will keep investing because it is important our future workforce is training in modern facilities, like this one here at Ashmore, that offer real learning experiences and prepare them for life on the job.
“With 83.9 percent of TAFE graduates going on to employment or further study after completing their training it’s further proof of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to delivering good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle for Queenslanders.”
