Government acts to boost school trade teacher numbers

Assistant Education Minister and Keppel MP Brittany Lauga will lead a working group set up to attract tradespeople who want to teach in Queensland schools.

Education Minister Grace Grace today announced Ms Lauga’s appointment as chair of the ‘Trade to Teach Working Group’ to address the ongoing need for industrial technology and design (ITD) teachers.

The group is made up of representatives from government, unions, universities, industry and the Queensland College of Teachers. 

Ms Grace said Ms Lauga was a great fit for this new role.

“As a regional MP, Brittany understands the needs of local communities and workforce challenges faced by industries such as the resources sector that are crying out for more skilled workers,” she said.

“It’s important that we have a pipeline of ITD, or manual arts, teachers in our schools that can teach and inspire the next generation of trade and technical workers. 

“Ultimately, this is about setting our students up with a pathway to skilled, well-paid jobs”.

Ms Lauga said she was looking forward to chairing her first meeting on August 30.

“My focus will be to work with key stakeholders in education and industry to attract more tradespeople to make the move into teaching, and to make sure these tradespeople are supported to meet all the requirements to teach in Queensland schools,” Ms Lauga said.

“The goal of the group is to identify any current barriers and the solutions that will allow us to increase the pool of ITD teachers by tapping into the skills and knowledge of experienced tradespersons who have a desire to teach. “

Ms Lauga’s appointment has been welcomed by the Queensland Resources Council.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said Queensland needs more students to study trade-based technology subjects at school to fill the thousands of technical and trade jobs needed in the resources sector in coming years.

“The resources sector offers young people well-paid jobs with great career paths and conditions, but we need to help students develop technical skills while they’re still at school, so they’re ready to step into apprenticeships,” he said.

“We look forward to working with the Assistant Minister on this important initiative”.

ENDS

16 August 2021

Media contact: Minister Grace’s Office – Courtney Hoogen on 0439 341 314

                          Keppel Electorate Office – John Schalch on (07) 4913 1500

                          Queensland Resources Council - Rachel Stewart on 0408 130767