New Springfield TAFE campus officially opened

Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek today officially opened the Bremer Institute of TAFE’s new Springfield campus.

Mr Langbroek said the increasingly popular campus had expanded significantly since 2006 when it began teaching vocational education and training.

“Ninety-six students were enrolled when the Springfield campus first opened its doors. Now I am proud to learn there are more than 460,” Mr Langbroek said.

“It is fantastic that student numbers continue to rise as does the development of new diploma programs.

“The increase in TAFE enrolments proves how consultation and collaboration with schools close by, can give local school leavers more options for training and employment”.

Mr Langbroek said that’s why the Premier established the Skills and Training Taskforce last June, to strengthen Queensland's vocational education and training (VET) sector, in an effort to grow the state's four pillar economy and reduce unemployment.

“One of the Newman Government’s highest priorities is responding to community needs to provide specialised training that gives students real career options.

“We want to secure every hard-working Queenslander a job and make us the State of opportunity once again”.

The TAFE’s first home at Springfield’s Education City was located within the University of Southern Queensland, however the area’s rapid growth led to the expansion of both the university and the TAFE, resulting in the relocation of the TAFE to the World Knowledge Centre in 2010. 

“Springfield’s growth outlook is strong, with major government and private investment,” he said.

“The planned opening of the rail extension from Richlands to Springfield later this year will also improve access to the campus for students from Ipswich and Brisbane’s western suburbs.”  

The newly purpose-outfitted building was previously St Peter’s Lutheran College which has relocated elsewhere in Springfield.

“TAFE’s new Springfield campus locates all of its students in the one building.  As well as seven general learning and three computer training areas, it has a student recreational hub, customer service and various staff administration areas,” he said.

“The campus maintains strong links to USQ and now offers a range of diploma programs that will enable students to move directly into Bachelors programs at the university if they wish.”

Diploma programs being delivered at the new campus include Justice Studies, Business, Management, Children’s Services, Graphic Design and Accounting. Certificate courses are also available in those fields as well as Bookkeeping and Fitness.

The refurbishment of the building cost $290,000.

[ENDS] 8 May 2013                                                          Media contact: Minister’s Office 3237 1000