Southport TAFE set to train more nurses and allied health professionals

The Premier has officially opened the new $10 million nursing and allied health training facilities at TAFE Queensland’s Southport campus as part of a $42 million Palaszczuk Government investment to upgrade TAFE campuses on the Gold Coast.

While inspecting the new world-class training facilities today, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the upgrade was vital to give our trainee nurses and allied health professionals the skills they need to be our health heroes of tomorrow.

“If there is one thing this past year and the global pandemic has taught us, it’s how important investing in health and our health professionals is and giving our future health workers the skills and training they need to be on the frontline,” the Premier said.

“The Southport campus is TAFE Queensland’s largest facility on the Gold Coast and enrolments have been climbing in recent years as the region grows.

“For example, nursing and allied health enrolments have grown at this campus alone by 40 per cent over the last financial year with more than 3,680 students enrolling in courses.”

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the new facilities include a modern simulated ward, lab environments and refurbished classrooms that enable the delivery of training using the latest technologies, including the use of mixed reality Halolens technology.

“This campus upgrade helps provide the skilled workers the Gold Coast needs now, and in the future, and improves career paths for local residents while delivering on Queensland’s plan for economic recovery,” Minister Farmer said.

“TAFEs on the Gold Coast are also helping train more students who are taking advantage of the Palaszczuk Government’s free training and subsidised training programs.

“Currently there are more than 3,400 young people on the Gold Coast who have benefitted from our Free TAFE and Free Apprenticeships for under 25s.

“The Gold Coast’s population is projected to reach between 830,000 and more than one million in the next 20 years.

“As our population ages and the demand for health services increases, job opportunities in this sector are expected to increase.

“The $10 million investment in nursing and allied health training facilities at the Southport campus is one way we can ensure we meet the need for qualified healthcare workers in the future.

“This is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s investment of over $150 million to revitalise TAFE infrastructure across Queensland since 2017.”

Trainee, Angela Underwood is a 42-year-old mother who is up-skilling from her previous role as a disability worker and is about to complete her Diploma of Nursing with TAFE Queensland.

“TAFE Queensland allowed me flexibility to be able to study online while still being available for my child. Studying at TAFE Queensland has been a wonderful experience,” Ms Underwood said.

“My current goal is to secure a role in general practice, but what I love about nursing is that the sky is the limit. There are so many different types of roles that nursing offers.”

20-year-old career starter Rebecca Melzner has just commenced her VET training journey with a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE Queensland.

“These new facilities on campus it will expose us to the real-life environment of a hospital and provide us with simulated experiences which will prepare me for work as an Enrolled Nurse when I graduate, Ms Melzner said.

“I plan to work as an Enrolled Nurse while I continue my pathway onto further study at university with a Bachelor of Midwifery.”

ENDS

Media contact:

Zoe Russell – 0439 982 347

Debbie Turner – 0439 346 402