Steven Miles and ministers speak on skills future at upgraded Bohle TAFE
TAFE facilities in Bohle are now equipped to deliver cutting-edge training in emerging fields like augmented reality manufacturing, automation, cyber security, and robotics. Check it out.
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Premier Steven Miles emphasised the pivotal role of skilled workers in Queensland’s renewable energy sector as he joined staff and students at the Bole TAFE’s new facilities.
The TAFE’s new Robotics and Advanced Engineering facility and the new Hydrogen and Renewable Energy facility include a mixed-reality studio, workshops for hand tools and instrumentation, and electric vehicle training for hydrogen-powered heavy vehicles.
The facility will also offer manufacturing training in augmented reality, automation, cyber security, and robotics, which the Premier said are key to ensuring the growth of North Queensland.
“We are going to need a workforce that is highly skilled in the skills of the future,” Mr Miles said at the official opening on Wednesday.
“The Hydrogen and Renewable Energy training facility and the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Lab will make sure that young people in Townsville and older people who decide to retrain can get the skills that the Townsville economy will need in order to develop those jobs.”
“Jobs in producing the products of a decarbonised world, as well as the products we currently produce but with a lower carbon footprint because that is what our global trading partners are demanding.”
“That’s hard to believe when I was first elected to parliament nearly 10 years ago, the biggest problem here in Townsville was unemployment.”
The Miles Government hopes North Queensland will capitalise on energy, infrastructure, and housing ‘Big Build’ for the region’s in-demand blue-collar careers, citing projects such as CopperString 2032 and the North West Minerals Province.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said North Queensland right now is a ‘land of opportunity’, with Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum saying that high-paying jobs are available for those in electrical, construction trades and technology.
“There’s never been a better time to get into those highly skilled, highly paid jobs, and we’re backing locals with state-of-the-art facilities to get the skills and qualifications they need,” he said.
General Manager of the TAFE Queensland North region Susan Kinobe said TAFE Queensland were ‘extremely proud’ of the work they do in the community, and noted the connection between the construction and the students.
“This is not just a bricks-and-mortar place for us. This is a place where we can support our students,” she said.
“One of our apprentices actually worked on it, employed by Paynters, so we thank them for that opportunity for our students.
“It’s not just about training for the now and traditional jobs, but the amazing work that we’re going to do with students of the future. This is a beacon of hope and opportunities.”
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Originally published as Steven Miles and ministers speak on skills future at upgraded Bohle TAFE