New program introduces students to manufacturing careers

Students from three south Brisbane secondary schools will be introduced to careers in the state’s vital manufacturing industry following the launch of the Light Metals Fabrication Program at Calamvale Community College today.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said Calamvale Community College and Runcorn and Sunnybank State High Schools received $65,000 from the State Government’s Manufacturing Starter Initiative in 2006 to develop industry partnerships and implement the Light Metals Fabrication pilot program.

“Industry-relevant training is high on the list of priorities for our Government, as we continue the fight to overcome skills shortages,” Mr Welford said.

“The initiative’s goal is to encourage collaboration between schools and industry and to give secondary students greater awareness of manufacturing and industry career opportunities because manufacturing is a crucial Queensland industry.

“With contributions from industry and school in-kind support, the total sum of the initiative has increased to about $206,000.

“With this investment, students undertake a Certificate I in Engineering through full-time and school-based apprenticeships with Stoddart Manufacturing, the schools buy industry-standard equipment and SkillsTech Australia delivers training.”

Mr Welford said the Manufacturing Starter Initiative was funded by the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry and administered by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.

“Manufacturing is Queensland’s second largest contributor to gross state product – $17.9 billion in 2006–07 – and employs about 193,000 people.

“The industry covers seven sectors: engineering and light metals, fibre composites, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, electronics, aerospace, boatbuilding and food processing and supply.

“The Light Metals Fabrication Program is another strategy to ensure the sustainability of one of Queensland’s most important industries.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000