Low-fee training to build Queensland’s blockchain workforce

Queenslanders can launch new careers helping businesses unlock the full potential of blockchain technologies thanks to breakthrough, low-fee training available from TAFE Queensland.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said TAFE Queensland had partnered with Blockchain Collective to deliver the Diploma of Applied Blockchain, which has recently been added to Queensland’s JobTrainer Fund priority course list.

“The JobTrainer Fund is jointly funded by the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments to support people through no-fee or low-fee training in areas that have strong employment prospects and will help drive our economy forward,” Minister Farmer said.

“Offering cutting-edge training without a significant cost barrier is a fantastic way to make Queensland a workforce leader on how to adapt or develop business models to take best advantage of blockchain’s potential and navigate the planning and implementation process.

“It’s part of our government’s focus on delivering affordable training to help Queenslanders skill up for jobs in emerging industries.”

Sharnay Gilbert from Ashmore was interested in learning more about decentralised finance but found the cost for university courses prohibitive.

“I attended a Women in Blockchain event for International Women’s Day. The TAFE Queensland diploma was suggested and when I found out JobTrainer funding was available, I snapped it up,” Sharnay said.

Blockchain Collective co-founder Austin Lewinsmith, who also sits on the Board of Blockchain Australia said he is excited that the course is now accessible to more students across the state.

“This is a huge incentive for those looking to upskill and or take on new opportunities across a number of different industries. There is really no limit to what blockchain can be applied to," Austin said.

“The online course equips students with the skills required to successfully develop and oversee blockchain teams across a number of different applications.

"The curriculum is project-based, it's not technical, and I think that's a really important thing for people to understand — it's not a technical coding course.

"It's the business thinking, it's the application, it's the critical thinking around taking something, everything from being an idea all the way through to be able to execute and actually hand off."

The Diploma of Applied Blockchain is currently a 14-month online course with workshops held at TAFE Queensland’s Coomera Campus, which can be attended in-person or virtually. For further information visit www.tafe.qld.edu.au.

Australian Blockchain Week 2022 kicks off on 21 March and runs through to Friday 25 March, when Brisbane hosts the ‘Builders, startups and scaleups’ session.

To find out more about Australian Blockchain Week 2022 go to www.blockchainweek.com.au

ENDS