TAFE Queensland will start to train future apprentices to build and service heavy machinery, caravans and recreation vehicles thanks to the Palaszczuk Government's investment in brand new purpose-built facilities at Acacia Ridge TAFE.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer officially opened the new Acacia Ridge Heavy Plant (Automotive) Centre of Excellence and the Caravan Industry Training facilities, which are part of $6.65 million worth of upgrades at the campus.
Minister Farmer said that the new facilities would help train more apprentices in cutting-edge technology and leading industry practices.
"It's very exciting to open the Heavy Plant Centre of Excellence and the Caravan Training facilities in Acacia Ridge," Minister Farmer said.
"We put investing in skills at the heart of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan, and with over $1 billion in this year's budget we are making that commitment a reality.
"The work here at Acacia Ridge is part of the $220 million the Palaszczuk Government has invested into rebuilding and renewing TAFE campuses across Queensland.
"As Queensland moves towards a greener future, the new Heavy Plant Centre of Excellence will also help provide world-class training for the electric, hybrid and autonomous vehicle industry using new machinery which produces lower emissions.
"The construction of the new Caravan Industry Training Facility will also cater for the growth in demand for recreational vehicles and the workers needed to build and maintain them.
"Both facilities are building on TAFE Queensland's industry partnerships to focus their training on preparing Queensland apprentices for a cleaner, greener future."
Member for Toohey Peter Russo said that the new training facilities will help address the demand for more skilled workers in the heavy automotive and recreational vehicle industries.
"The new facilities will help put the SkillsTech campus on the map when it comes to getting more apprentices trained in the industry," Mr Russo said.
"The caravan and recreational vehicle industry has been calling out for more workers and these new facilities at Acacia Ridge will help fill the gap in the industry.
"The new Heavy Plant Centre of Excellence will also ensure the Palaszczuk Government can continue to support booming industries like construction and transport."
Member for Algester, Leeanne Enoch, said free qualifications are available for young Queenslanders who are just starting out or upskilling their career training in the Algester electorate.
"The Palaszczuk Government's free TAFE and free apprenticeships for under 25s program gives Queenslanders access to world class training in 139 priority qualifications," Ms Enoch said.
"These include training in the automotive and RV industries, which students will be able to do right here at the Acacia Ridge campus."
Member for Stretton, James Martin, said there would now be even more training opportunities for local students.
"TAFE already offers so many opportunities for students to learn and get qualifications, and these new facilities will mean they have even more options.
"The hands on, vocational training from TAFE really sets people up for success and helps them get the job they want."
Christian Batic from Cambooya said that he became a qualified heavy commercial vehicle mechanic after studying with TAFE Queensland and now he is back to complete the Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology with some of his workmates from Mader Contracting.
"I'm really excited about getting my second qualification through TAFE Queensland and it's great to be doing that training at such a great facility," Mr Batic said.
"I've worked at a mine in Western Australia as a heavy vehicle mechanic and becoming a dual-trade worker is just going to give me that ability to work more widely across other industries and in different roles.
"The training I'll get from SkillsTech at the new facilities will really help put me at the front of my industry."
To learn more about courses delivered at the Acacia Ridge TAFE campus visit www.tafeqld.edu.au
