The Queensland Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining Stirling Hinchliffe has announced a partnership between TAFE and South East Queensland electricity distributor Energex to help combat the skills shortage in Queensland’s growth industries.

 

“This partnership between SkillsTech Australia, Queensland’s largest TAFE institute in trade and technician training, and Energex is another step by the Bligh Government towards developing the skilled workforce that Queensland needs – now and in the future,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

 

“By joining forces, we’ll be able to deliver qualified linesmen and jointers for growing sectors, including the Electrical Supply Industry (ESI), Coal Seam Gas/Liquefied Natural Gas, Communications and the National Broadband Network.”

 

SkillsTech Australia Manager – Corporate Solutions Garry Hargreaves said SkillsTech Australia has tailored training to meet industry demand due to identified training gaps for these sectors.

 

“All participants will have access to significant resources and specialised equipment at Energex throughout their apprenticeship and additional training costs will be incurred,” Mr Hargreaves said.

 

“UET30209 Certificate III in ESI – Distribution,to be offered at SkillsTech Australia in the first half of this year, will provide a pathway for apprentices and cross training opportunities for existing qualified electricians to move into ESI sectors.”

 

Mr Hinchliffe said SkillsTech Australia is a key component of the Government’s Queensland Skills Plan.

 

“SkillsTech Australia is helping the Bligh Government reach its Toward Q2 target of three out of four Queenslanders holding a trade, training or tertiary qualification by 2020.

 

“More than $200 million has been committed to the development of SkillsTech Australia facilities to address the skills shortage, with over $162 million invested so far.”