CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE LAUNCHED FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION

The Beattie Government today took another step towards overcoming skill shortages in one of the State’s most important industries with the official launch of Construction Skills Queensland.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today launched the new centre of excellence, developed under the Government’s $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan to give industry ownership of skills development.

“The formation of Construction Skills Queensland will lead to the development of comprehensive skills plans for the industry, as well as brokering skilling solutions with employers, unions and training providers,” Mr Welford said.

“The centre will also influence business strategy and workforce development and leverage industry and government contributions to meet changing skills needs.

“It represents a partnership between industry and government to provide co-ordinated leadership and strengthen the role of employers in overcoming skill shortages.”

Mr Welford said other centres of excellence had been launched for the aviation and mining industries, and a centre for the energy sector was being planned.

“Our Government is excited by the opportunity to identify skills needs and issues for attracting, developing, making the best use of, and retaining skilled workers,” Mr Welford said.

“Investing in skills development for building and construction will contribute to Queensland’s Smart State agenda and strengthen our position in the global economy.”

The Building and Construction Industry Training Fund (BCITF) has transformed into Construction Skills Queensland and has received Government assistance of $3.25 million over two years.

Rod Camm has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the centre and will work closely with industry and government to lead skills development and promote a training culture across the state’s building and construction sector.

Mr Camm said the centre heralded a new, more targeted direction for the vocational education and training system and would help develop a future skills bank.

“Building and construction is a crucial Queensland industry, representing around eight per cent of our gross state product and accounting for 342,500—or around 16 per cent—of our jobs,” he said.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000