Queensland is celebrating ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ TAFE Day and the enormous contribution they make in providing world class training for so many Queenslanders every year.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said TAFE is the largest provider of education and training in Queensland, delivering training to over 120,000 students.
“³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ TAFE Day is an opportunity to recognise our incredible, hard working teachers who are shaping the futures of so many of our young Queenslanders,” Ms Fentiman said.
“And it’s great to see that more and more young Queenslanders are now gaining the skills and training they need for an exciting career for free.
“There are now over 6000 year 12 graduates enrolled under our popular free tafe initiative – gaining a qualification in industries where we know there will be future jobs, such as healthcare, hospitality and engineering.”
“Overwhelmingly, students have told me that had they not had their course costs covered by this program, they would not have been able to undertake further study.”
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to rebuilding campuses across Queensland.
“That’s why, in this week’s State Budget we doubled our investment in campuses across the state. investing more than $105 million to renew, refurbish and expand TAFE facilities across Queensland.”
Ms Fentiman said key projects include upgrades at TAFE campuses on the Gold Coast, Alexandra Hills and Mt Gravatt, while continuing works at Pimlico in Townsville and Toowoomba
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing in TAFE’s across Queensland, from the far north on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, right down to the Gold Coast and as far west as Charleville,” she said.
“Investing in fit-for-purpose training infrastructure is essential to ensure Queenslanders can access the skills they need to get a job and pursue an exciting career in our state’s growing industries.”
Ms Fentiman said the funding boost announced as part of the 2019-20 State Budget reaffirmed the Palaszczuk Government’s long-standing commitment to TAFE and quality vocational education and training for all Queenslanders.
“It’s all part of the government’s strategy to equip the state’s workforce with the skills required to remain competitive in the global economy,” she said.
“Supporting the state’s apprentices, trainees and VET students, who will be the skilled and creative workforce needed to drive economic growth and future prosperity.”
