TAFE upgrade and free apprenticeships support Townsville jobs

Published Thursday, 05 September, 2019 at 02:00 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

The Palaszczuk Government is backing Townsville jobs by investing in TAFE and covering the cost to train apprentices.

That’s the message from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk while inspecting progress at the $35 million redevelopment of the Pimlico TAFE campus today.

“It’s an exciting time for young Queenslanders as they consider their options when they finish school,” the Premier said.

“We are backing our local businesses and providing a ticket to a career with our $32 million free apprenticeships initiative.

“This will mean young Queenslanders under 21 can get a job and get their training at TAFE for free, while supporting businesses by removing the cost of training.

“There’s no better time than now to be hiring, this is about helping create jobs in our regions, jobs in our cities like Townsville, jobs for Queenslanders.

“This is just part of our investment in skills and training with this year’s State Budget committing $13.9 million towards the Pimlico campus here in Townsville, ensuring the region has access to the best in training facilities.

“This redevelopment has also created 100 full time jobs including 30 apprentices and trainees jobs, so we’re creating jobs to create more jobs.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in Townsville will provide jobs for locals and back businesses.

“We want all Queenslanders to have access to world class training that will lead to good job opportunities,” Ms Fentiman said.

“This construction is part of our $105 million investment to rebuild and revitalise TAFE campuses across the state.

“We want more young Queenslanders to take up an apprenticeship or traineeship in the industries where we know there will be jobs and that’s what our free apprenticeships for under 21s initiative will do.”

Mundingburra MP Coralee O’Rourke said the $35 million redevelopment of Pimlico TAFE campus is on schedule with the new building ready for student's semester 1 2020.

“Pimlico TAFE will become the north’s specialised non-trade training centre for nursing, hair and beauty and hospitality,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“It will accommodate up to 900 full time equivalent students and support growth in student numbers of 20 per cent over time.

“And during construction we have supported over 30 local apprentices.

“New regional jobs committees will also bring together local industry groups, training providers, local and major employers, and councils to help plan local training.

“That means Townsville small business will have a stronger voice informing government investment in workforce training and skills development.”  

For further information visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/skillsstrategy  

List of free apprenticeships visit: www.desbt.qld.gov.au/freeapprenticeships 

ENDS

Media contacts:

Premier’s Office – Zoe Russell 0439 982 347

Minister Fentiman’s Office – Inga Williams 0439 949 719