Revealed: How region’s project will transform manufacturing sector
A new skills academy will launch in Toowoomba to deliver education and meet demand of a growing sector. Here’s all you need to know.
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JRS Manufacturing Group and TAFE Queensland have teamed up to deliver a skills academy in Toowoomba, in what is believed to be an Australian-first approach.
As part of the partnership, a skills academy will be launched at the Wilsonton TAFE campus and will adopt a hybrid learning framework to allow participants across various trades and sectors to work cohesively and meet timelines.
JRS chief operating officer Jasmine Riddle said the unique business model came about due to Queensland’s growth and the increased demand for advanced manufacturing.
The framework will also provide skills development and recognition in the process.
“Through the JRS Skills Academy, we seek to redefine the manufacturing skills landscape by re-engaging young people through human centred skills transformation to understand the value of trade apprenticeships and future employment security,” Ms Riddle said.
“Ambitious individuals will develop best-in-class skills in steel fabrication and welding, CNC machining and have exposure to the latest technology through specialised industrial and aerospace coatings and electroplating with additional focus on leadership, collaboration and design-led thinking.”
The JRS team has grown significantly over the past six years, going from four to 30 staff members.
It then evolved from being a stand-alone manufacturer and included boilermaking into its services and is now set to expand this further with the new skills academy hub.
Several trades will be incorporated into the manufacturing model and will include boilermaking, welding, sandblasting, specialised surface coatings and finishing, CNC machining and logistics solutions.
Designed to assist in the manufacturing sector’s rapid growth and meet the needs of clients on a national and global scale, the project is also expected to strengthen the industry in Toowoomba and the Surat Basin.
Manufacturing faculty director at the TAFE Queensland Toowoomba campus Col Batzloff said it was an exciting opportunity for those involved and would have a real-world impact.
“Throughout its 140 years, TAFE Queensland has demonstrated its agility in meeting emerging industry needs,” he said.
“The future is now and our partnership with such an innovative company ensures the evolution of traditional trades to meet the needs of a new generation.”
For more information, visit tafeqld.edu.au or jrsmanufacturinggroup.com.au.
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