$4.5 million lab to support clinical skills training at Loganlea TAFE

• A new $4.5 million Clinical Skills Lab has been officially opened at TAFE Queensland’s Loganlea campus.
• Delivered in partnership by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments, the state-of-the-art new facility incorporates two lab training spaces, fitted-out with the latest technology.
• The facility will train up to 160 students per year – responding to increased workforce demand for laboratory, pathology and dental assistant roles in Queensland, and helping to deliver a pipeline of skilled workers. 

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have today opened the Loganlea TAFE Clinical Skills Lab, which will support the delivery of new, accredited courses including Certificate III in Dental Assisting, Certificate III in Pathology Collection, and Certificate III in Laboratory Skills.

Transforming a disused, former trade training block on the campus, the new facility incorporates industry-simulated pathology and examination laboratories, a phlebotomy room, a dental surgery with x-ray capability, reception and waiting area. 

Construction of the new facility was supported by $2.2 million in Queensland Government funding, and $2.3 million from the Federal Government’s TAFE Technology Fund.

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the TAFE Technology Fund was supporting TAFE campuses across Australia to upgrade and expand facilities such as laboratories, workshops and IT services.

”The Albanese Government wants to ensure every Australian has the opportunity to pursue a qualification and build their skills – which is why we’ve been working to put TAFE back at the heart of our vocational education and training sector.

“This new Clinical Skills Lab will offer opportunities for more Queenslanders to train for laboratory, pathology and dental assistant roles – all important jobs where we need more workers.

“The Albanese Government’s $50 million TAFE Technology Fund is helping to deliver incredible new TAFE facilities in local communities just like this one.”

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the project would support a critical allied health workforce in Queensland.

“As a former nurse, and with our state responding to surging influenza cases and a global pandemic in recent years, we know just how important pathology and lab services are to keeping Queenslanders healthy and safe,” Minister Bates said.

“By 2027-28, we expect almost 1 in 3 new Queensland jobs to be in Health Care and Social Assistance, making this facility essential to delivering on our commitment to secure a pipeline of skilled workers for Queensland’s future.

“The location of the Loganlea TAFE Clinical Skills Lab right next door to Logan Hospital means it is perfectly situated to help train and upskill more Queenslanders to take-on essential, time-critical health roles, to cater for the responsive, well-functioning, and world-class health system Queenslanders deserve.”

More than 3,800 students undertook training at TAFE Queensland’s Loganlea campus in 2024-25 – including almost 2,500 new commencements.

The campus currently supports a range of allied health training, including the Certificate II in Health Support Services, Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.

The Diploma of Nursing is the most popular health-related qualification at the TAFE Queensland Loganlea campus in 2025 – with more than 220 commencements in the qualification this year.

ENDS