North Queenslanders to benefit from 300 new training places under Rescuing TAFE

The Palaszczuk Government will provide Townsville with a job-creation springboard by making an extra 300 training places available to North Queensland job seekers.

Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath is in Townsville to outline the Rescuing TAFE funding package and host a special meeting on the future use of Queensland’s training assets at the Pimlico TAFE Queensland campus.

“Our Rescuing TAFE commitment will provide real benefits to Queenslanders right here in Townsville, with more than 300 subsidised training places available across North Queensland,” she said.

“These vital subsidies are targeted at North Queenslanders who already hold a qualification and are unemployed, looking for a career change or want to improve their skills in their current job.

“We have heard Queenslanders loud and clear: they want our government to build a strong public training provider to give people the skills and experience they need to get into the workforce and build a career.

“The Palaszczuk Government has already delivered on our election commitment to return state training assets to public hands and today we go one step further.

“We are investing in Rescuing TAFE to see practical solutions on the ground. We are committed to the future of TAFE Queensland as our premier public provider of vocational education and training in this state.

“I will be in Townsville today (Thursday) to make sure the community is involved and has their say on how we can develop the strongest and best possible training for the future.”

Mrs D’Ath said the $22.8 million Rescuing TAFE funding boost over the next three years will support more than 2400 subsidised training places throughout Queensland across a range of industry areas, including Certificate I to Diploma level qualifications.

She said the funding will enable TAFE Queensland to make additional investments in student support services, provide additional foundation skills training for disadvantaged learners, expand and improve regional training programs and provide a range of programs to people who already hold a qualification to re-skill or up-skill.

TAFE Queensland North General Manager Joann Pyne said that TAFE Queensland will recruit 56 student support and careers officers across the state, including four new local student counselling, disability support and job matching officers.

“These officers will support students through their study journey by providing specialised assistance to students with higher needs as well as job placement support. It means we can provide an even greater level of service to our students,” Ms Pyne said.

“TAFE Queensland will also be working with partner organisations to deliver targeted training, specifically in local communities where there is an identified need.

“This will be of particular benefit in North Queensland with the downturn in the mining industry.

“Qualified workers from the mining industry will be able to take advantage of the subsidies and come to TAFE Queensland North to kick start their new career.

“It will open up subsidies to a great many locals who would have previously been ineligible and give them much needed assistance.”

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O'Rourke said the funding is a key component of ensuring a quality, responsive training sector in Queensland.

“It’s vital TAFE Queensland offers courses that respond to the needs of local industries, communities and individuals,” she said.

“I am delighted individuals will have the opportunity to gain qualifications in a range of areas, including information technology. These subsidized courses have the potential to change people’s lives for the better and improve their employability during what has been an uncertain time for North Queenslanders.”

For more information visit: tafenorth.edu.au or call 1300 656 959.

Media contact:

Minister D’Ath : 0400 774 303

Minister O’Rourke: 0408 317 992

TAFE Queensland: 4042 2746