The Bundaberg Region is set to get a boost in free and subsidised training under a new initiative aimed at helping address local skills and workforce priorities.
The state government's Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024 – 2028 will pertain to a range of industries including care, retail, nursing, construction and tourism sectors across the Wide Bay.
The strategy extends the Queensland Government’s Free TAFE program, funding up to 70,000 Free TAFE places – including 30,000 new places – to bring down costs for Queenslanders to get into better paid jobs or start a career in high-demand industries.
It will also fund one million publicly subsidised training places in health, social services, hospitality, clean energy, construction.
Across five focus areas and five years, the strategy sets out to maximise productivity and participation, unlocking billions in annual skills investment – including a $370 million funding uplift to help kickstart the new strategy.
“… we know how important priority skills are–ensuring that we meet the positions needed–so we know that we need a strategy in place to ensure the skills of the future are met,” Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith MP said.
“Last year we saw the 1,300 Bundy locals access free TAFE, so we know that there's a demand in the Wide Bay region.
“By being able to access free TAFE right in the heart of Bundaberg, it means that our young people can have the opportunity to stay local, get a job and start their own family into the future.”
Bundaberg Diploma of Nursing CQUniversity student Climah Orion-Williamson welcomed the training funding boost.
“I want to advance my knowledge and skills into the health science industry without the financial impact as a single, middle-aged person looking for a secure future and purchasing my own home,” Climah said.
“Without Free TAFE, I would not be able to afford to undertake study into health care, purchase my own house or have the diverse opportunities that nursing can provide for a stable and comfortable future.
“My ultimate goal is to become an emergency paramedic or work in emergency rescue.”
For more information and to read the Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024 – 2028, visit www.qld.gov.au/SkillsStrategy.
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