New strategy to fund training for 1 million Queenslanders to bolster Big Build

• New Miles Government plan delivers one million subsidised training places for Queenslanders to access good high paying jobs.
• Plan extends Free TAFE cost of living measure with 70,000 Free TAFE places.
• The strategy is backed by $370 million in funding.

In the biggest skills and training reform in almost a decade, the Miles Labor Government will fund one million training places for Queenslanders, easing cost-of-living pressures for those who want to train, upskill, reskill, and pursue careers in the state’s priority industries.

The Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024 – 2028 means more free and subsidised training for Queenslanders, so we can all benefit from good jobs when costs are high.

The strategy extends Labor’s Free TAFE program, funding up to 70,000 Free TAFE places including 30,000 new places, to bring down costs for Queenslanders to get into better paid jobs or start a career in high-demand industries.

It will also fund one million publicly subsidised training places in health, social services, hospitality, clean energy, construction and more.

The strategy will skill Queenslanders for good jobs in priority areas like construction training, delivered from facilities such as TAFE Queensland’s Acacia Ridge campus – the biggest trade training centre in the Southern Hemisphere, spanning more than 22 hectares.

Across five focus areas and five years, the strategy sets out to maximise productivity and participation, unlocking billions in annual skills investment – including a $370 million funding uplift to help kickstart the new strategy.

Quotes attributable to the Premier: 

“We are bringing new energy to getting Queenslanders skilled for good high paid jobs, caring for Queenslanders in our service sector and building more of the Queensland we love through our Big Build.

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; free TAFE is changing lives.

“That’s why we are expanding the number of places available under this program, while also delivering subsidised training.

“We are investing in young people, people who want to retrain, and those facing cost of living pressures, by funding one million training places over the next four years.

“Whether it’s training to be a nurse, for a trade, or to be in the service industry, we’ll ensure a good job is within reach for every Queenslander.”

Quotes attributable to the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick:

“Our Government recognises that ensuring people have the skills they need for the jobs our growing economy needs is doing what matters for Queenslanders.

“This initiative is backed with $370 million of direct funding, supported by progressive coal royalties.

“That is funding the LNP could not match, forcing them to cut TAFE and to privatise training.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum:

“We want Queenslanders at the front of the line for good local jobs in–this investment will ensure we make the most of this golden decade of opportunity.

“This strategy is not just real cost of living relief now, but a chance at a better life, with better pay and a better job, helping grow our economy right across the state.

“Labor’s Free TAFE has changed lives–people who were facing homelessness, mothers returning to work, and young people who haven’t finished high school–have completed free TAFE courses and come out with good jobs.

“There’s no clearer difference between Labor and the LNP who will jack up course fees and make young Queenslanders pay for their apprenticeships–they’ll have to, because they don’t back the coal royalties that pay for it.”

Quotes attributable to 17-year-old Joinery Apprentice Tully Kendall:

"I love working with my hands–my job is physical, so it keeps me nice and fit–and to earn while you learn is awesome too, I'm getting paid to train and learn my trade and I'll be a qualified tradesperson when I'm still young.

"I'd definitely recommend other young people to take on a trade–there's so much work available, and it's something you have with you your whole life then–especially people like me who like to work with their hands and make things, there are jobs you can do that every day.”

Quotes attributable to Carpentry Apprenticeship graduate James Hickey:

“After finishing high school, I found myself lacking motivation in the classroom and yearning to pursue a career that involved me being outdoors and looking for real-world experience.

“Completing an apprenticeship has had a significant impact on both my personal and professional life–it has provided me with a sense of purpose and direction, giving me a clear path to follow in my career.”

Quotes attributable to TAFE Queensland CEO John Tucker:

“As the public provider, TAFE Queensland is at the heart of our state’s Vocational Education and Training system and we take great pride in providing access to quality training for all Queenslanders - no matter who they are or where they live, no one gets left behind.”

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government, industry and partners to not only help Queenslanders change their lives and achieve their career aspirations, but also enhance the social wellbeing and economic sustainability of our state.

Quotes attributable to MRAEL CEO Christine Zechowski:

“Training opens doors to great careers. Pre-apprenticeships help young people choose a path that works for them, and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships provide a head start.”

Promoting these opportunities on offer, and how to access them, is important for our workforce as a well as our workers.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Teacher’s Union President Cresta Richardson: 

“Investment into education is an investment into the future of our state–TAFE is at the heart of a future made in Queensland and this funding will enable more Queenslanders to access vocational education.

“It is TAFE which continues to uphold high standards and access to high quality teaching and learning programs, ensuring our workforce is skilled and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Further information:

• Development of the Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024 – 2028 is a key action under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022 – 2032.
• The strategy is the result of extensive consultation with more than 8,000 Queenslanders – including students, parents, teachers, employers, unions, industry, and education and training providers – who provided feedback and ideas through submissions to the discussion paper, participation in forums and focus groups, and by completing an online survey.
• Signed in October 2023 and starting on 1 January 2024, the National Skills Agreement is a five-year joint agreement between the Commonwealth, states and territories which embeds national cooperation and strategic investment in the VET sector. The agreement and its priorities are detailed at www.dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/national-skills-agreement.  

For more information and to read the Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024 – 2028, visit www.qld.gov.au/SkillsStrategy.

About TAFE Queensland

TAFE Queensland is the largest, most experienced training provider in the state, supporting over 125,000 students each year studying in around 400 qualifications at more than 60 campus locations and online.

The Acacia Ridge campus is TAFE Queensland’s flagship trade training centre spanning more than 22 hectares, the biggest trade training centre in the Southern Hemisphere. The campus offers a comprehensive range of trade related courses in automotive, building and construction, electrotechnology, engineering, manufacturing and design, resources and mining, transport, and utilities. New state-of-the-art facilities include an engineering and automotive precinct and electrical training facility, as well as new administration hub and student resource centre.

About MRAEL

MRAEL and its subsidiaries are part of the Intowork Australia Group and is one of Queensland’s leading providers of education, training, and employment services. With almost 40 years of industry experience, they offer a diverse range of services with the vision of creating “vibrant futures” with the objective of contributing to the growth, development, and sustainability of a skilled workforce for the future.

MRAEL subsidiary businesses are:

• Australian Trade College North Brisbane
• Australian Trade Training College
• Capricornia Training College (CTC)
• DGT Employment & Training

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