Regional Students Still Face Training Barriers Despite $73.8 Million Tradie Investment

Community members are calling for greater access to locally delivered trade training, with many students travelling outside the region to complete qualifications. Photo source: TAFE Queensland

‍

‍

A $73.8 million investment aimed at training more Queensland tradies has been welcomed in North Queensland, but concerns remain that students in regional communities are travelling long distances to access trade training.

‍

The State and Federal governments recently announced a new Construction Tech TAFE Centre of Excellence, designed to boost the state's construction workforce and support future housing, infrastructure and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games projects.

‍

The initiative will establish new construction training facilities at TAFE campuses in Caloundra and Moreton Bay and expand technology-driven training opportunities across Queensland. Federal Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles said the project would make it "easier and faster for Australians to get into construction jobs", while Queensland Training Minister Ros Bates said it would help address workforce shortages and build the skilled workforce needed for future projects.

‍

However, the announcement has also reignited discussion about access to training in regional communities such as Ingham, where students often travel to Townsville to complete trade qualifications.

‍

Hinchinbrook MP Wayde Chiesa said workforce shortages remained one of the biggest challenges facing regional Queensland and supported the government's broader investment in skills and apprenticeships.

‍

"We know Queensland needs more tradies, particularly with the pipeline of housing, infrastructure and construction projects right across the state," he explained.

‍

While apprenticeship numbers and completions have been improving, Mr Chiesa said local residents continued to raise concerns about the availability of training opportunities closer to home. He said access barriers could make it harder for young people to develop skills, secure employment and remain in their communities.

‍

"At a local level, I have heard loud and clear the concerns of the Hinchinbrook community about access to training opportunities and the barriers this creates for local people trying to build skills, secure jobs and stay in the region," Mr Chiesa acknowledged.

‍

Townsville would continue to serve as North Queensland's major training hub, but Mr Chiesa said there was scope to explore more flexible delivery models in communities where industry demand existed.

‍

"Not every trade course can realistically be delivered in every regional town; however, young people should not have to leave their community unnecessarily to pursue a career," he said.

‍

The issue extends beyond students, with travel requirements creating additional costs and time pressures for apprentices, employers and families. Mr Chiesa said while travel subsidies and support programs existed, greater use of block training, virtual learning, mobile delivery and partnerships between training providers and local industry could improve access.

‍

The need for skilled workers is already being felt across the region, with labour shortages contributing to delays in housing construction, maintenance work, infrastructure delivery and business growth.

‍

"Whether it is housing construction, maintenance, infrastructure delivery or small business growth, a lack of skilled workers creates delays, increases costs and puts pressure on local communities," Mr Chiesa said.

‍

As governments continue to invest in growing Queensland's trade workforce, Mr Chiesa said ensuring regional communities could access those opportunities locally would remain a key priority.

‍

"Our region has a strong work ethic and enormous potential. We have young people who want opportunities locally, employers looking for skilled workers and industries that continue to grow," he said.

‍