Cairns to host International Education and Training Summit

Published Monday, 17 July, 2017 at 05:40 AM

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Curtis Pitt

Cairns has been chosen to host Queensland’s biggest annual gathering of the international education and training (IET) industry in May next year.

Treasurer, Minister for Trade and Investment and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said the IET sector is now an important and growing part of the regional economy.

“As Ministerial Champion for International Education and Training I’ve chosen Cairns to host our second annual IET Summit in recognition of the city’s enthusiasm for welcoming and nurturing foreign students,” Mr Pitt said.

“It is estimated that international education brings $150 million annually to far north Queensland and directly employs 1,050 people.

“Cairns has a wide range of education and training options for international students, including two universities, TAFE and private vocational education and training providers, English language colleges, public and private schools.

“Cairns is also very multicultural, which is a big drawcard for international students.”

The IET Summit is a key component of the Queensland Government’s commitment to invest $25.3 million over the next five years boost the sector through the implementation of the International Education and Training Strategy 2016 - 2026 to Advance Queensland.

Mr Pitt said the inaugural International Education and Training Summit held on the Gold Coast in March this year attracted more than 320 industry representatives from across the education and training sectors, peak bodies and government and international agencies to discuss how Queensland can work together to support sustainable growth in the IET industry.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for Cairns to promote itself to key local and international IET leaders and decision makers,” Mr Pitt said.

“The theme of the 2018 summit, which will be held on 15 May, 2018, will be: 'Delivering on Diversity'.

“The summit will be held just before convention centre renovations start, so when the event returns to Cairns it will be even bigger and better.”

 

Media Contact: 0419 945 546