STATE WINS $73 MILLION TRAINING CONTRACT

The state’s position as a world-class training provider has been reaffirmed with the Beattie Government winning a $73 million contract to deliver international training in the Pacific.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the contract would deliver Australian-standard training through the Australia-Pacific Technical College.

“This win confirms the high standard of vocational education and training that is being provided in Queensland and internationally,” Mr Welford said.

“It is the largest international training contract ever undertaken by my department and demonstrates our capability to develop international education and training partnerships and alliances.”

The Australia-Pacific Technical College is an Australian Government initiative, announced by the Prime Minister in 2006. The Australian Government has committed almost $150 million over four years to deliver vocational education and training to Pacific Island students. Graduates will be qualified for essential skilled jobs needed through the region.

“Through a competitive tender process across Australia, the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE was awarded a contract to design three schools for the Australia-Pacific Technical College,” Mr Welford said.

“The TAFE will deliver training in automotive, construction and electrical, and manufacturing trades over three campuses based in Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Fiji, as well as workplace training in 11 other Pacific Island countries.

“Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE has strategically positioned itself as a leading provider of vocational education and training internationally.

“In the last six years, it has delivered more than $5 million in training services through the Australian Government’s aid program in the south-west Pacific.

Mr Welford said the first students would be enrolled within the month with the initiative continuing until June 2011.

“Over the four year period it is planned that more than 1100 trades students will graduate with Australian Quality Training Framework level three qualifications,” he said.

The Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE will employ 92 training, management and administration staff, in Australia and overseas, as well as a number of short term trainers.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985