The Department of Trade, Employment and Training is leading delivery of the following election commitments:
- delivering security of tenure for The Sycamore School
- providing $2 million to expand the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy
- funding a major hiring blitz to employ the next generation of TAFE teachers
- boosting skilled agricultural workers with more training opportunities through our regions
- providing $60 million to build a new TAFE Centre of Excellence in Moreton Bay
- supporting a Marine Centre of Excellence for Southern Moreton Bay Islands in partnership with industry and TAFE
- providing $61.1 million to deliver a new TAFE Excellence Precinct for Rockhampton in partnership with CQUniversity
- building a TAFE Centre of Excellence in Caloundra to focus on construction trades
- injecting $500,000 to boost the number of women in operating and technical roles for the resources sector.
Building TAFE Centres of Excellence
The Queensland Government is investing in the next generation of skilled workers with the development of new TAFE Centres of Excellence.
The centres of excellence will provide state-of-the-art training facilities and specialised courses tailored to the needs of the specific region and industry, equipping Queenslanders with high-quality, industry-relevant skills and to grow our skilled workforce now and into the future.
TAFE Centre of Excellence in Moreton Bay
A TAFE Centre of Excellence dedicated to meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in the manufacturing sector and other critical industries, will be built in the Moreton Bay region and is scheduled for delivery by 2028.
Located closely to 4 of south east Queensland's largest industrial precincts, the $60 million centre will serve as a hub for training innovation and collaboration, integrating advanced technologies and modern equipment into its training programs. These resources will empower students, apprentices and employers to adapt to changing industrial demands and technological advancements, ensuring sustainability and competitiveness in South East Queensland.
The centre of excellence will deliver:
- dedicated facilities for advanced manufacturing training including robotics, smart factories, maker spaces with 3D printing capabilities, and welding simulators
- engineering and fabrication workshops
- advanced trades applications in carpentry, plumbing and electrotechnology
- future-ready labs and general learning areas
- industry partnership, collaboration and exhibition spaces.
Training requirements and future stakeholders are still being confirmed.
Economic importance
The manufacturing sector remains a cornerstone of south east Queensland's economy, contributing significantly to employment, exports, and regional development. However, the sector faces challenges, including skill shortages, technological disruption, and increased competition in global markets.
The centre will address these challenges by creating a pipeline of skilled professionals capable of driving innovation, productivity and fuelling economic growth. TAFE Queensland's emphasis on practical, hands-on training aligns with industry needs, ensuring regional employers will have access to a workforce ready to meet contemporary demands.
Regional impact
South East Queensland, including Moreton Bay, is undergoing significant growth and urbanisation. Establishment of this centre aligns with the region's strategic goals for economic diversification and resilience. The centre will not only benefit manufacturing but also extend its impact across other sectors, such as logistics, construction, and engineering, which rely heavily on vocational skills.
The centre will also serve as a platform for partnerships between educators, industry leaders, and government entities, leading to shared knowledge, innovative solutions, and a more integrated approach to economic development.
TAFE Centre of Excellence in Caloundra
A TAFE Centre of Excellence dedicated to construction and allied trades, will be built in Caloundra and is scheduled for delivery by 2028.
This $78 million centre marks the single most significant investment into building new TAFE infrastructure ion Queensland in decades and will address a growing skilled workforce gap that will only widen as Queensland continues to build its Olympic and Paralympic infrastructure.
The centre will train the next generation of skilled tradespeople in construction and allied trades by focussing on practical, hands-on learning to ensure graduates are job-ready and equipped with both current and technical expertise and an understanding of emerging trends in the sector.
The centre of excellence will deliver:
- dedicated industry-leading training facilities in carpentry, plumbing, fabrication, electrotechnology and engineering
- large flexible workshops to accommodate multiple classes and simulate real worksites including outdoor classes
- advanced general learning areas to ensure future-proofed, flexible classrooms
- student spaces to support learning outcomes
- industry collaboration and conference spaces to support future partnerships.
Training requirements and future stakeholders are still being confirmed.
Economic importance
South East Queensland continues to experience substantial growth, with major infrastructure projects, urban development, and housing demands driving a strong need for skilled workers in construction and allied trades.
The centre will play a crucial role in addressing skill shortages, supporting the sector's capacity to deliver on ambitious building targets. By fostering a highly skilled workforce, it will help boost productivity, maintain safety standards, and ensure competitiveness in both local and national markets. The centre promises to become a key pipeline supplying talent to current and future employers.
Regional impact
Building the centre in Caloundra reflects a commitment to regional growth and accessibility to vocational education. It will attract students from across the Sunshine Coast and beyond, creating skilling opportunities (without having to relocate to metropolitan centres), and positioning the region as the state's powerhouse in growing the skilled construction workforce in Queensland.
The centre will strengthen ties between TAFE Queensland, local employers and the construction industry and help support local businesses, ancillary to the construction industry, as the population in the region continues to increase.
Last updated 30 July 2025
