Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has opened the new plumbing trades facilities at the TAFE Queensland Alexandra Hills campus this morning.
She was joined by Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer, Capalaba MP Don Brown and Redland MP Kim Richards for a tour of the facilities.
The Premier said a strong investment in skills and training was at the heart of the $10 million revitalisation of the campus and COVID-19 economic recovery plan.
"Plumbing trades, engineering and constructions trade blocks have all been upgraded along with a new nursing and allied health facility," she said.
Ms Palaszczuk said since 2015 enrolments in trade programs at the campus had more than doubled, with more than 1200 trades students in 2020/21.
Training and Skills Development Minister Di Farmer said the Palaszczuk government ruled out closing the TAFE and instead, invested money into upgrading the centre.
"There is more to come. This year an additional $1.2 million will be invested in the campus to upgrade the electro-engineering facilities and new wet trade facility for brick and block-laying, concreting, tiling painting and decorating, and plastering apprenticeships," she said.
Mr Brown said he had personally been involved in the petition to save the TAFE in 2013.
"The upgrades were six years in the making and would make a real difference to training opportunities for local residents," he said.
Previously apprentices had been travelling to other TAFE campuses like Acacia Ridge and Eagle Farm for their studies.
"It's fantastic to see investment in world class facilities right here in Alex Hills... these upgrades mean even more people will be able to benefit," he said.
Ms Palaszczuk spoke to students while on the tour emphasizing that access to studying was critical to getting a job for thousands of Queenslanders.
Birkdale's Kealee Webb is completing a certificate II in plumbing at the new facility.
"I signed up for plumbing as I enjoy it... and I wanted to prove that women can also do a trade, it's not just for guys," she said.
Student Lachlan Ward shared some banter with the Ms Palaszczuk as he explained he wanted to use his skills on the mines or in the army.
Redlands MP Kim Richards said TAFE had trained thousands of people who had then gone on to do vital jobs in the community.
She said the nurses trained at the new nursing and allied health facility would hopefully go on to work at the new satellite hospital in Redland Bay.
Angela Kelly
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
