Cairns Regional Council and TAFE Queensland today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will help develop the workforce needs of the region's priority industries.
The agreement will help strengthen Cairns' appeal as a nationally and internationally renowned education city and provide more opportunities for apprentices and trainees.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the signing of the MOU will formalise the strong and collaborative relationship that already exists between Council and TAFE Queensland.
"Cairns enjoys an excellent foundation on which to build a robust economy for the future, but as the region grows, continued access to quality, supportive and affordable training is critical in building a workforce that meets the needs of the region's industries," Cr Manning said.
"Council recognises the important role TAFE Queensland plays in delivering fit for purpose Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Cairns and the Far North.
"VET is critical to building and maintaining a skilled workforce and supporting the growth and prosperity of Cairns' priority industry sectors.
"As a major employer, Council also has an interest in accessing fit for purpose VET to support skills development for its 1300-strong workforce, including apprentices and trainees."
TAFE Queensland plays an important role skilling the local workforce with industry specific qualifications at the Cairns Campus, and the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College.
TAFE Queensland Acting General Manager Susan Kinobe said the agreement further strengthens both organisations' commitment to supporting the future sustainability of the region.
"At TAFE Queensland we know the power of education and training and how partnering with local industry and employers is crucial to delivering high quality, industry standard training that provides employers with a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers," Mrs Kinobe said.
"Each year, we work closely with Government and local industry to ensure our training programs are tailored to their needs and that our students graduate confident, capable, and ready to help drive the success of their industry and communities."
Education and training are the region's fourth largest industry, with a total economic impact of $673 million and supporting 8,418 jobs.
The MOU is for a three-year period, ending 30 September 2026.
