North Queensland residents looking to benefit from the Queensland Government’s investments in clean energy, infrastructure, and housing can now refine their skills at a new, state-of-the-art training facility.
The new facilities at Townsville’s Trade Training Centre are set to skill up locals with qualifications in electrical, engineering, and construction trades, with many courses and apprenticeships being completely free for students or employers, the government said in a media release.
“Queensland has cemented its future as a renewable superpower,” stated Premier Steven Miles.
“That means we need to train the next generation of energy workers, in facilities that are fit for the industries of the future.”
Among the highlights is the new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy Training Facility, featuring a mixed reality studio, workshops for hand tools and instrumentation, and electric vehicle training for hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles.
Additionally, the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab offers training in augmented reality, automation, cybersecurity, and robotics, ensuring the growth of high-end manufacturing.
“North Queensland is the gateway to more than half a trillion dollars in untapped critical minerals and renewable energy opportunities, so it’s only right that these new facilities are here in Townsville,” added Premier Miles.
The Miles Labor Government also expanded a key future workforce initiative to include renewable energy by partnering with Energy Skills Queensland.
Over the next two years, over 2,000 Queensland students from 30 high schools, including 5 in Townsville, will participate in the Renewable Energy Gateway to Industry Schools Program.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick emphasised the economic impact of these initiatives.
“Our Government’s CopperString transmission line is the catalyst for the advanced manufacturing jobs of the future, and we are already seeing the benefits sprouting up around Townsville. We have invested in Bohle TAFE and new training facilities to make sure North Queenslanders have the skills these industries need and are in the box seat to land these jobs.”
The new Bohle TAFE facilities were made possible by an $18.29 million investment, which includes an additional $1.09 million for design variations during the construction phase.
Member for Townsville and Minister for Resources Scott Stewart highlighted the regional benefits, saying, “From large-scale generation and storage, transmission and distribution, and the supply chains around Copperstring, North Queensland’s energy transformation means more opportunities for locals to get good jobs with better pay in our Big Build of renewable energy.”
Member for Mundingburra and North Queensland Hydrogen Champion Les Walker also lauded the initiative. “Green hydrogen will be a game changer for the world’s transport, heavy haulage, shipping, and aviation industries, and this new facility means it’s North Queenslanders that will be in the nation’s driver’s seat.”
As the region gears up for this transformative phase, Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper noted, “By expanding the Gateway to Industry Schools Program into renewable energy, Townsville school students will get a head start on careers in our booming clean energy sector.”
