Those pursuing apprenticeships in Gladstone may be glad to hear news that a $21 million energy training centre has been given the green light for the Gladstone campus of the Central Queensland Institute of TAFE (CQIT).
Minister for Higher Education Kim Carr launched the centre on July 30, with the minister explaining that the project was designed to respond to the regional demand for skills, “particularly the $60 billion worth of coal seam gas to liquefied natural gas projects around Gladstone”.
Mr Carr was joined by Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor who explained that the centre would bring new skills to the region, creating 67 new jobs in the construction phase and providing a new hi-tech learning environment for trainees.
“The centre will mean industry will be able to employ local graduates with job-ready skills, who have learnt in a highly practical environment,” Mr O’Connor said.
The federal government will provide $73.8 million through the Structural Adjustment Fund for infrastructure and to help with other activities supporting the merger between CQIT and Central Queensland University.
