The Palaszczuk Government has welcomed a federal opposition commitment to help deliver a $40 million SkillsTech TAFE campus at North Lakes.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the $40 million trades training centre at TAFE North Lakes would provide industry-standard skills for the electrotechnology, construction, engineering and automotive industries - for both large and small businesses.
"Only Labor will ensure Queenslanders can get the skills they need to secure local jobs," Ms Fentiman said.
"This is what a fair share for TAFE looks like.
"The Federal LNP can't even bring themselves to talk about TAFE, only Federal Labor has been willing to work with states on building our training assets.
"Federal Labor has committed to more than $45 million to build and renew TAFE facilitates across Queensland."
"We know that there is a growing demand for more skilled workers and this new Northside SkillsTech will encourage more locals to take up an apprenticeship for a bright future."
Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said TAFE was focussed on the need to expand training opportunities in the Brisbane North region and would be supportive of the opening a new trade training facility in the growth area of North Lakes.
"I'm very pleased that TAFE Queensland are seeking to support the training needs of industries in our local community," Mr Whiting said.
Member for Murrumba Steven Miles said the population in the Brisbane North region was expected to grow.
He said the age group with the highest population would be 30-49 years by 2026.
"Providing high quality training facilities where young people can learn in our local area area is essential for growing industries and job opportunities," Mr Miles said.
"The Brisbane North region's demand for TAFE training remains high and will continue to grow in future years."
Interest in Construction, Engineering, Furnishing and Utilities significantly increased between 2015-16 to 2017-18 and Automotive has maintained high enrolments.
The SkillsTech TAFE campus will have a student capacity of 3,300 and will create 65 teaching and support jobs, with a further 150 jobs throughout the construction stage.
Labor has already announced we will provide 56,000 new apprenticeships and TAFE places with no upfront fees for Queenslanders as part of our Queensland Skills Guarantee.
This includes:
- 20,000 TAFE places with no up-front fees.
- 30,000 extra apprentice incentives.
- 2,000 pre-apprenticeship places.
- 4,000 advanced entry adult apprenticeships.
Ms Fentiman said the equation was simple.
"If Queenslanders can't access the right training, they will miss out on local jobs," she said.
A Shorten Labor Government will also guarantee at least two in three public vocational education dollars will go to TAFE and require one in 10 jobs on major Commonwealth and Defence projects to be for apprentices.
Ms Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government was already investing in TAFE and apprentices in Queensland.
"Our free tafe for year 12 graduates has 160 courses on offer including more than 65 qualifications in automotive, building, construction, manufacturing and design," Ms Fentiman said.
"The Morrison Liberal National Government in Canberra have continued to build on their more than $3 billion in cuts to skills and training with their latest budget delivering a cuts package of more than $120 million.
"LNP cuts are in stark contrast to Federal Labor, who will commit $1 billion towards TAFE and apprentices through 100,000 free TAFE places nationally, incentives for 150,000 additional apprentices and $200 million for TAFE infrastructure.
"This is a true partnership – something we never see from the LNP."
