New Ipswich TAFE centre to deliver highly skilled manufacturing workforce

• A new state-of-the-art Metal Trades, Manufacturing and Robotics Centre has officially opened at the TAFE Queensland Bundamba campus.
• The new facility, funded through a $100 million ‘Equipping TAFE for our Future’ program, will feature autonomous robotics and support competitive skills in the advanced manufacturing sector, to meet growing workforce demand in the Ipswich region and across the state.
• The centre will support more than 380 students currently enrolled in engineering and manufacturing qualifications at the Bundamba campus including a broad range of courses offered through Free TAFE.

Ipswich’s proud manufacturing history has today received a shot in the arm with the Miles Government throwing the doors open to a new skills and training facility that will power the region’s future as a hub for food processing, engineering, aerospace, and defence manufacturing.

The $7 million Metal Trades, Manufacturing and Robotics Centre, incorporates a modern and flexible engineering training workshop including a machine shop, fitting area, light and heavy fabrication and assembly area, robotic/Sub Arc Welding and Smart Factory.

Revitalised spaces integrate all physical and virtual components for training including software and system integration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, autonomous robotics and assistive technologies, augmented reality, and virtual reality.

The new facility joins Advanced Manufacturing Skills Centres established at several TAFE Queensland campuses – including Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg, and Eagle Farm.

Quotes attributable to the Member for Bundamba and Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum MP:

“Ipswich is growing rapidly and by 2025-26 around 1 in every 8 workers in the region will be employed in manufacturing.

“This facility is crucial for local workers to skill up for good, secure jobs, and it will further enhance advanced manufacturing excellence in Queensland.

“The Miles Government doesn’t want the cost of living to get in the way of Queenslanders getting the training they need.

“That’s why we are so proud to provide high-quality training through Free TAFE, including Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s to remove the financial barrier to training, allowing more Queenslanders to pursue their dream career.

Further information:

A large number of courses offered at Bundamba TAFE are available through the Queensland Government’s Free TAFE and Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s.

The Bundamba TAFE campus offers a range of practical courses including aged care, agriculture and horticulture, automotive, beauty and hairdressing, building and construction, business, electro-technology, engineering, general education, health care, hospitality and information technology. 

Bundamba TAFE

The Metal Trades, Manufacturing and Robotics Centre was designed and constructed to meet Australian industry’s Best Practice Environmental Performance (targeting 4 Star Green Star Interiors rating) standards, with low emissions finished and composite timber products, energy efficient lighting and appliances, and high efficiency water fixtures.

The Queensland Government’s $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future program supports skills development in priority industries such as advanced manufacturing, cyber security, renewable energy, resources, agriculture and aquaculture.

Free TAFE

In Queensland, Free TAFE includes Fee-Free TAFE, Free Nursing and Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s. Free TAFE is available to eligible Queenslanders to study priority skill sets and qualifications – providing opportunities to upskill, reskill or start a career in high-demand industries.

In 2024, the Australian and Queensland Governments will provide around 14,500 fee-free places to Queenslanders, with a similar number of places planned for 2025 and 2026.

In 2023, there were more than 69,000 commencements in Free TAFE and to date there have been more than 10,000 have commenced in 2024.

Queenslanders can access 74 Fee-Free TAFE courses, including in priority areas such as nursing, agriculture, aged care, and cyber security.

The Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s program has been extended until December 2024 giving young Queenslanders more time to commence in one of over 130 courses including process manufacturing, automotive, construction, engineering, childcare, hospitality and many more.

ENDS