Queensland tradies offered $37.6M training package

Queensland’s 150,000 construction tradies are being urged to take advantage of a $37.6 million training package to help the improve skills for big infrastructure projects. They will be needed to help deliver $46 billion in construction work over the next 12 months.

Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) has revealed the training investment package as part of its 2019/2020 Annual Training Plan. The package includes specific training programs to match the forecasted industry activity and skill requirements for major projects.

CSQ CEO, Brett Schimming, said large engineering projects move to dominate industry activity. “After several years of strong growth in residential building in Queensland, 2019-20 will see the industry pivot to large engineering construction projects,” Schimming said.

“Projects like Brisbane’s Cross River Rail, the Port of Townsville Expansion and the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Facility will drive double-digit growth for the engineering sector” he said.

“This means there will be increased demand for key civil construction trades over the coming year –  jobs that will be in hot demand include earthmoving plant operators, paving and surfacing workers and labourers.”

Townsville, Central Queensland and Far North Queensland is expected to see a lift in regional construction activity over the new year. The CSQ also expects an increased level of training in these locations.

Mr Schimming expressed the need for major projects and all regions in Queensland have a skilled and available local workforce to match the changing industry profile.

“Training dollars are available to those looking at entering construction, progressing their career or upskilling to take advantage of the new opportunities coming through the current industry cycle.”