In an exciting development, a $3.5 million Engineering and Trade Training Modernisation project has been completed, poised to boost enrolment and bring new regional opportunities. The project involved refurbishing the local TAFE Queensland campus trade workshop, providing state-of-the-art facilities for engineering, manufacturing, and technology students.
The upgraded TAFE Engineering and Trade workshop was officially opened on 21 June 2023 by the Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer. It is expected to benefit over 900 students annually from 2024 to 2025. The project is part of the larger initiative called “Revitalising TAFE Campuses Across Australia,” which has a budget of $50 million and is supported by the Australian government.
A Closer Look at the Mount Isa TAFE Engineering and Trade Workshop Upgrade
One of the key benefits of this project is the boost it will provide to local job opportunities. Mount Isa TAFE has many students enrolled in trade training, and with the new workshop, enrolments are expected to increase to 950 students annually. This investment in the campus will not only support local jobs but also contribute to building a skilled future workforce for Queensland.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, emphasised the significance of this upgrade, stating, “This facility upgrade will increase access to training and provide state-of-the-art facilities, leading to jobs for Queenslanders in the midst of a skills crisis.” The Australian Government has been actively supporting vocational education and training, with nearly 150,000 Australians enrolling in fee-free TAFE this year. Over 26,000 fee-free TAFE students have enrolled in Queensland alone, with strong uptake from regional areas like Mount Isa.
Minister Di Farmer shared her excitement about the project, highlighting its alignment with the Queensland Government’s vision of creating good jobs for Queenslanders. She emphasised that the “Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022 to 2032 aims to create a skilled workforce ready to seize today’s jobs and embrace new opportunities, and our Mount Isa TAFE Engineering and Trade upgrade is doing just that.”
The upgraded facility now features state-of-the-art training areas for oxy/arc welding, fabrication, grinding, and machine training. It provides a safe working space for up to 14 students and two staff members simultaneously. The TAFE Engineering and Trade workshop will support TAFE Queensland students in various engineering and technology fields, including building and civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, manufacturing engineering and technology, and mechanical/industrial engineering and technology.
Queensland Government’s Commitment to Training Facilities
The Queensland government has been dedicated to investing in training facilities, with over $280 million allocated since 2017 for building new and upgrading existing facilities across the state. The North and North West Queensland region has received over $41 million for training facility enhancements.
The Mount Isa TAFE Engineering and Trade Training Workshop is an excellent example of government collaboration and investment in skills development. It not only empowers students to become job-ready but also strengthens the local workforce, paving the way for a prosperous future for Mount Isa and the broader Queensland region.
