Miles Doing What Matters: Fuelling a pipeline of hydrogen workers with new $15 million NQ training centre

• New $15 million skills and training facility to be built in Townsville under a re-elected Labor Government
• The industry-leading Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre will train apprentices and workers in specialist plumbing, fire, and air-conditioning and mechanical training.
• The new centre is a first for regional Queensland and joins a network of 6 campuses across the east coast of Australia.

A re-elected Miles Labor Government will build a new $15 million skills and training facility in Townsville that will fuel the region’s green hydrogen industry workforce.

Townsville’s Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre will give local workers the skills they need for the thousands of jobs being created under Labor’s landmark Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan and Queensland’s Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap.

The new centre will deliver the full suite of training in plumbing and fire protection, from pre-apprenticeship level to the full Certificate III apprenticeship courses, through to a range of Certificate IV and post-trade courses.

It will also deliver accredited training in emerging technologies and applications like working safely with hydrogen and other renewable gasses, as well as a comprehensive series of training modules relating to construction industry safety and occupational health and safety.

The new centre in Townsville is a first for regional Queensland, joining the organisation’s existing facility at Beenleigh in Brisbane.

Quotes attributable to Member for Townsville and Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart MP:

“Our region is on track to have the third fastest growth in jobs in all of Queensland, and it’s investments like this that will help local people take advantage of this golden decade of opportunity.

“The training services at this new facility will not only deliver the training required for North Queensland’s green hydrogen future but will also complement skills needed for our critical minerals mining and processing projects.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Mundingburra and Hydrogen Champion Les Walker MP:

“Townsville’s green hydrogen industry is one of the biggest jobs, climate, and economic opportunities and thanks to our fairer coal royalties, apprentices can train right here in Townsville.

“We are making sure we have the right people and skills in the right place at the right time, so that industries like green hydrogen can develop and excel, and communities like Townsville are ready to support them as they grow.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Thuringowa Aaron Walker MP:

“This is an investment in the future of our young people while creating an enduring asset for the region, that will be capable of servicing Townsville and North Queensland’s regional economy for generations.

“Townsville’s clean energy industry is booming; this new facility will not only create about 40 full time jobs worth of work in construction but will train hundreds of local apprentices and workers for our blue-collar industries.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Plumbers Union State Secretary Gary O’Halloran:

“We are delighted that the Miles Government has made this vital investment towards establishing a new purpose-built Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre to provide local apprentices training courses that they could previously only access in Southeast Queensland.”

“There are about 64 North and Far North Queensland Sprinkler Fitter and Mechanical Apprentices currently being trained in Brisbane on FIFO which are expensive for employers and make taking up an apprenticeship less attractive for young regional Queenslanders, as they must spend large amounts of time away from their families.

“As we all know due to the housing shortage in building and construction, tradies are in huge demand and the PICAC campus in Townsville will create additional training capacity to address the plumbing construction skills shortages in regional Queensland.

“We are excited to be able to offer greater opportunities for young workers in the North and Far North Queensland communities and thank Minister McCallum and the Miles Government for backing the plumbing industry.”

Quotes attributable to Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre CEO Shayne La Combre:

"From apprenticeship courses to advanced training in cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen and renewable gases, this facility will be a cornerstone in preparing Queensland's plumbing and fire protection professionals for the opportunities of tomorrow."

“With the ability to deliver high-quality training locally, where it's most needed, and the flexibility to customize programs to industry demands, this facility will be a crucial hub for developing future skills, driving innovation, and boosting economic growth in the region”.

"A PICAC Training Hub in Townsville will not only cater to new apprentices but also provide vital upskilling opportunities for existing practitioners and ensures that our workforce remains at the forefront of industry advancements, keeping our construction and safety standards world-class."

Quotes attributable to Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland CEO Penny Cornah:

“We support the new training facility in Townsville, a significant $15 million investment in the future of North Queensland’s workforce.

“This initiative will provide essential skills in plumbing, fire protection, and mechanical services and it will prepare local workers for opportunities in the expanding hydrogen sector.

“This is a strategic move that will strengthen the region's role as a key player in the hydrogen industry.”

Quotes attributable to National Fire Industry Association CEO Joe Smith:

“We are delighted to see the Government promising this investment in training in North and Regional Queensland.

“Townsville has long been an economic hub for North Queensland and providing an opportunity for local training is vital to attract more people to undertake an apprenticeship.

“There is so much exciting construction work due across Queensland but it needs trained and qualified people to do that work safely for life critical industries like Fire Protection.

“The Townsville campus provides an exciting opportunity for businesses and apprentices to train the workforce we need locally.”

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

“This new facility will do what matters for the North Queensland workers of today, and tomorrow.

“The funding for this training facility is only possible thanks to progressive coal royalties which puts it right on the chopping block for David Crisafulli and the LNP.

“There’s no clearer difference between Labor and the LNP than when it comes to jobs and training, their plan will jack up course fees, close campuses, and sack staff across Queensland.”

Further information:

The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre is a unique industry led organisation.

The organisation is a partnership between the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union, Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia, Master Plumbers Association of Queensland, National Fire Industry Association of Australia, and the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association.

To learn more about Queensland’s Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap visit: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/employment/strategies/clean-energy-workforce

To learn more about the Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024 – 2028 visit https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/skills-strategy

ENDS

Media contact: Andrew Churchill 0472 654 871