Job creation remains the Hodgman majority Liberal Government's number one priority. As business confidence continues to sky rocket we must ensure that we have the next generation of work ready apprentices and trainees skilled to meet the growing demand.
The building and construction sector is growing rapidly with the increasing need for more trained workers across a number of trade areas. This is why we are investing $7 million to establish a Water and Trades Centre of Excellence in Tasmania’s South to provide the skills needed for Tasmania’s trades sector.
The Centre of Excellence will be based at TasTAFE’s Clarence site and will include a new purpose-built workshop. To maximise enrolments, the facility will also offer online courses and training to those in other parts of the State.
The Clarence campus also has onsite accommodation. That means students who have had to previously travel to complete a qualification can now stay onsite.
Today we welcome representatives from all peak industry bodies to the Clarence campus to discuss the Centre of Excellence as the first step of the consultation process.
A facility designed in partnership with industry will give the students what they need to succeed in their chosen trade. This is a chance for the Tasmanian Government to listen to the leaders of our trade industries and get their input as to how the centre can maximise their workforce development needs.
The Centre of Excellence will deliver qualifications from specific industry-led skills sets, and include training in plumbing, electrical, automotive, plastics, refrigeration and air-conditioning – all priority industry areas in our growing economy.
This is significant capital expenditure on skills and education infrastructure and will better align our workforce training with industry demands to create rewarding and sustainable careers for Tasmanians that best meet the needs of business.
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