A pipeline of skilled workers could emerge from a planned $78 million training facility on the Sunshine Coast.
The LNP has vowed to build a TAFE Centre of Excellence at Aura, south of Caloundra, to train construction and trades workers in the fast-growing region.
The Opposition stated that South-East Queensland has a need for 90,000 additional tradies, amid a housing shortage.
Shadow Minister for Employment and Training Brent Mickelberg said the centre would deliver jobs for locals.
“The LNP will secure a pipeline of tradies for the future and train the skilled workers needed to build the homes for our region,” he said.
“(The centre) will offer students the opportunity to learn a trade and gain important skills … and provide much-needed housing supply in the future.
“The LNP’s commitment will secure the land, construct the centre and deliver additional jobs at the TAFE.”
Candidate for Caloundra Kendall Morton said more training opportunities were on the way.
“The LNP’s commitment to a new TAFE for Caloundra will create valuable educational opportunities for young people, allowing them to study a trade close to home,” she said.
“We desperately need skilled workers and trades people to help build the homes for families who are moving to the greatest community in the state.
“I’ve talked to thousands of people in this area, and they all say there are not enough workers, and not enough houses.”
But the Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum said the LNP announcement lacked details, and he said the state government was intent on helping locals train for trades.
“The LNP won’t say how they are paying for their promises,” he said.
“Labor is backing the Sunshine Coast with more than 2300 locals benefitting from free TAFE and over 6900 free apprenticeships.
“We’re doing what matters so locals can get the good jobs being created by our Big Build projects, like our fully-funded Sunshine Coast Direct Rail Line (Stage 1) and a Sunshine Coast Satellite Hospital.”
