$73.8 million boost to train more tradies in Queensland

• $73.8 million unlocked to train more Queensland tradies through a new Construction Tech TAFE Centre of Excellence.
• Federal and State Government investment focused on housing delivery, major projects and the workforce needed for Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
• More training places, modern technology and stronger regional pathways into construction jobs.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments today announced a new Queensland TAFE Centre of Excellence – Construction Tech will be set up to get more Queenslanders on the tools to help build more homes and meet the state’s infrastructure goals.

Delivered under the National Skills Agreement, the Centre will operate as a statewide initiative across TAFE Queensland campuses and will deliver additional purpose-built construction tech training facilities at the Queensland Government’s new TAFE campuses in Caloundra and Moreton Bay, with construction completing in 2028.

The Centre is aimed at developing the pipeline of workers needed for the construction industry in Queensland and nationally to support housing, infrastructure delivery and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games requirements.

It will make it easier and faster for Australians to get into construction jobs by recognising prior learning, offering flexible training opportunities and using simulated and virtual training.

The Centre will also deliver training to help small-to-medium construction businesses leverage emerging technology to boost productivity, enhance safety and reduce costs.

The $73.8 million initiative will boost productivity and continue to grow the number of skilled workers in the building industry around the State.

Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said these new state‑of‑the‑art facilities will give Queenslanders access to modern construction training that reflects how work is done on today’s building sites.

“Students will be able to train in simulated worksites and digital hubs, gaining the practical, job‑ready skills they need to step straight into construction careers. 

“This is Queensland’s third TAFE Centre of Excellence, and the 19th delivered nationally by the Albanese Government in partnership with states and territories. It shows what’s possible when governments, TAFE, industry and universities work together to build skills that matter for Australia’s future.”

Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the investment was about delivering a plan for Queensland’s future and making sure the state had the workers needed to keep building.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering a generational pipeline of housing, health and infrastructure projects and this investment is about ensuring we have the workforce we need to build the Queensland of the future,” Minister Bates said.

“This initiative will go a long way to helping address the skills shortage we’re facing, and I’d tell every Queenslander who wants to play their part in helping build the state that now’s the time to get involved.”

The Centre is jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments through the National Skills Agreement.