Work is underway on a new TAFE Centre of Excellence at Caloundra, delivering more opportunity for Queenslanders to gain a trade, and helping secure a pipeline of skilled construction workers to build Queensland’s future.

The Caloundra site is one of four new TAFE Centres of Excellence being delivered by the Queensland Government, as part of a key election commitment.

The new facility at Caloundra will train more apprentices in construction and allied trades to support the State’s pipeline of infrastructure, housing and Olympic and Paralympic Games projects.

The $78 million facility is now under construction after works on the new Rockhampton and Petrie facilities got underway earlier this year, which are the first new TAFE Centres built in Queensland in 15 years.

It's just one of the ways the Queensland Government is delivering more jobs and building Queensland's future

Premier David Crisafulli said the new TAFE Centre of Excellence at Caloundra would help deliver the skilled workers needed to build Queensland’s future.

“This is about unlocking opportunity to lock in more tradies, and build a better a future for Queensland,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“This new Caloundra TAFE will help launch thousands of tradies’ careers and set them up for success.

“There has never been a time where there is more infrastructure and more opportunity for tradies in this state.

“Whether it’s homes, hospitals, roads, rail or the Games, there’s no shortage of projects that will benefit from the skills learned at this TAFE Centre of Excellence.”

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the new Centre of Excellence would play a critical role in easing the skills shortage.

“The Queensland Government has already brought down the construction worker shortfall considerably and has delivered record apprenticeship completions, including more women than ever getting on the tools,” Minister Bates said.

Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher MP said the new TAFE Centre of Excellence meant Sunshine Coast residents would have access to industry-leading training right in their own backyard.

“This facility means people will be able to live, learn and work locally and take pride in the fact they’ll be leaving their mark on our community,” Ms Hatcher said.

“We know local businesses are crying out for workers because of the shortages so this TAFE Centre of Excellence is going to be a real boost for Caloundra and the whole Sunshine Coast.”

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer Tim Rawlings said the new Centre of Excellence would deliver the practical, industry-relevant skills needed to support the Sunshine Coast’s continued growth.

“This Centre of Excellence will give apprentices access to contemporary, hands-on training that reflects the skills needed across construction and allied trades,” Mr Rawlings said.

“As Queensland’s public training provider, we are proud to be helping more people on the Sunshine Coast gain practical skills, build meaningful careers, and support the industries and communities that will drive Queensland’s future.”