A new purpose-built construction training facility on the Sunshine Coast is set to help boost the state’s building workforce.
The federal and state governments have announced the Queensland TAFE Centre of Excellence – Construction Tech will be established at Caloundra, 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, it will operate as a statewide initiative across TAFE Queensland campuses, with a purpose-built construction tech training facility at the new TAFE campus at the Sunshine Coast Industrial Park in Aura by 2028. There will also be one at Moreton Bay.
The initiative 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 is expected to 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.
It should also deliver training to help small-to-medium construction businesses leverage emerging technology to boost productivity, enhance safety and reduce costs.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the new state‑of‑the‑art facilities would give Queenslanders access to modern construction training.
“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,” he said.
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the investment was about making sure the state had the workers needed to keep building.
“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,” she said.
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