Palaszczuk Government recognises National Skills Week

The Palaszczuk Government has recognised the important role that skills and training plays in helping Queenslanders get jobs, as part of National Skills Week (August 28 – September 3).

Visiting TAFE Queensland SkillsTech Training Centre at Acacia Ridge today, Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath said National Skills Week put the spotlight on the importance of the Vocational Education and Training sector, and the countless career opportunities available.

“Today I have had the privilege of seeing trade training areas at TAFE Queensland SkillsTech, including automotive, refrigeration and air-conditioning, and plumbing,” Mrs D’Ath said.

“TAFE Queensland SkillsTech is one of the premier trade training facilities in Queensland and I am so pleased I’ve been able to witness their great work first hand during this important week.

“National Skills Week is a great opportunity to showcase emerging trends and new growth drivers that connect skills and training and job outcomes.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to the Vocational Education and Training sector, and that is why we announced last week $768.9 million of funding for Queensland’s Annual Vocational Education and Training (VET) Investment Plan for 2017-18.

“This plan retains significant investment in apprenticeships and traineeships, Certificate III and higher level qualifications, and will support the development of a skilled workforce to meet forecasted jobs growth.”

Part of VET Investment Plan includes $60.5 million towards the successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

“Since the Palaszczuk Government reinstated this initiative, more than 15,000 people have been through a training program.

“More than 9,600 of participants have gone onto employment, more than 2,000 have gone onto further training and more than 350 have returned to school.

“These are great results and shows the Palaszczuk Government’s approach to the training and skills sector is making a difference in the lives of Queenslanders.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy and Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch said training and skills opportunities were vital for Queensland.

“The Palaszczuk Government recognises that investing in skills and training leads to better job outcomes for Queenslanders,” she said.

“It is imperative that Queenslanders continue to have access to quality, supportive and affordable training that meets the ongoing needs of individuals and employers – and this is what the Palaszczuk Government is ensuring.”

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Jodi Schmidt said Vocational Education and Training (VET) has played a critical role in building Australia's workforce over many decades and will continue to do so for years to come.

“National Skills Week showcases the significance of VET and its ability to shape and future proof our communities across Queensland,” Ms Schmidt said. 

“Next year’s Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will demonstrate the breadth of skills that vocational training delivers to our economy. TAFE Queensland will play a major role in bringing the Games to life as it provides training to more than 15,000 volunteers.

“Our training program will support up to 200 roles across spectator services, press operations, technology and venue control, but most importantly, volunteers will gain life-long, transferrable skills to take back into their communities to continue to use long after the Games have finished.

“TAFE Queensland has been working with industry for over 130 years and we pride ourselves on helping people gain the skills, knowledge and practical hands-on experience needed to find work and succeed long into the future,” she said.

Media contacts: 

Minister D’Ath: 0437 696 809

Minister Enoch: 0412 393 909

TAFE Queensland: (07) 3244 5404