Apply now for agricultural college transition team

Applications are now open for three positions in the team overseeing the transition of the Queensland Agricultural Training Colleges (QATC).

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the Project Management Office (PMO) would lead the consultation and transition process for QATC students, staff and facilities over the next year.

“Our intention is for the PMO to be operational in the coming weeks, which is why we are currently advertising for a Director and two liaison officers,” Mr Furner said.

“These are full-time positions with the Director to be based in Longreach and the liaison officers to be based in Longreach and in Emerald.

“Applications are now open on the Queensland Government’s Smart Jobs website and close on Friday 18 January 2019.

“I encourage interested people to visit smartjobs.qld.gov.au  for information about these exciting and challenging positions and how to apply.”

Mr Furner said PMO staff would work with local stakeholders to reinvigorate vocational education, training and skilling in the state’s central west.

“PMO officers will spend significant time in the region working with QATC, local government, other stakeholders and the community as we move forward,” Mr Furner said.

“This will involve identifying economic development opportunities and ensuring the best use of QATC’s facilities.

“Throughout this process, every current student will still be able to complete their qualification or studies at QATC, or through a supported transition to another training provider.

“Likewise, where possible, QATC staff will be redeployed or supported in finding alternative employment or training.”

Short courses offered by QATC will also continue through 2019 where demand exists.

Mr Furner said $30 million was being invested in this critical modernisation of vocational education, training and skilling in the central west.

“It follows the independent review undertaken by Professor Peter Coaldrake who found there was declining demand for traditional agricultural industry training as it has been delivered,” Mr Furner said.

“The Queensland Government recognises we must move to a more modern, cost-effective training model.

“We have started discussions with vocational education and training (VET) providers and commercial interests to develop a plan for better use of the QATC’s college facilities in Longreach and Emerald.

“These are valuable assets and they need to be used more effectively.  We want to make sure that they are available to support a range of training, not limited to agricultural. 

“This does not include using the sites as correctional facilities or refugee settlement centres as has been incorrectly reported. 

“I would urge those with an interest in the QATC to take the time to actually read the Coaldrake Review and what is proposed.”

More than $30 million will be invested in reshaping VET:

• $25 million over three years for the Annual VET Investment Plan
• $700,000 for Regional Skills Investment Strategies to meet training needs in the Central Highlands and Longreach Local Government Areas
• $2.2 million for the Regional Skills Adjustment Strategy to support drought-affected producers
• support for the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program. 

ENDS

Coaldrake Review report: https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/coaldrake-review 

Director position advertisement: https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-298674-19

Liaison officer positions advertisement: https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-298577-19

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920