TAFE Queensland announced the grand opening of its first-ever purpose-built hydrogen and electric vehicle training facility at the Townsville Trade Training Centre in Bohle.
The new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility and Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab aims to support emerging industries and provide a pipeline of skilled workers for the future.
Susan Kinobe, general manager for TAFE Queensland North region, highlighted the institution’s long-standing role in community development.
“For over 140 years, TAFE Queensland has been at the heart of Queensland communities,” Kinobe said.
“The new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility and Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab will enable TAFE Queensland to continue this legacy by training skilled workers for emerging industries like hydrogen and advanced manufacturing, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability,” she added.
The state-of-the-art facilities offer a wide array of training options, ranging from nationally recognized certificates and diplomas to skill sets, micro-credentials, and trade tasters for high school students as part of the TAFE at School program.
These programs will cover areas such as sustainable energy, autonomous technologies, and robotics, equipping students with the skills required for the jobs of tomorrow.
Each year, more than 2,000 trade apprentices are trained at the Bohle campus.
With the addition of the new training facilities, North Queenslanders will have unprecedented access to cutting-edge education and skills development in hydrogen and advanced manufacturing.
“There’s never been a better time to take on a trade – it might just change your life. These new facilities open up exciting possibilities for North Queenslanders to gain the skills needed for the future of work,” Kinobe concluded.