Queensland construction workers are being encouraged to take advantage of a $37.6 million training package to help the improve skills for big infrastructure projects.
With more than $46 billion in construction work expected to take place over the next 12 months, Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) has unveiled the training investment package as part of its 1019/2020 Annual Training Plan.
It includes specific training programs to match the forecasted industry activity and skill requirements for major projects.
CSQ CEO, Brett Schimming, said residential builders would face flat conditions as large engineering projects move to dominate industry activity.
“After several years of strong growth in residential building in Queensland, 2019-20 will see the industry pivot to large engineering construction projects,” Schimming said.
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“Projects like Brisbane’s Cross River Rail, the Port of Townsville Expansion and the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Facility will drive double-digit growth for the engineering sector, compared to the flat conditions faced by residential builders,” he said.
“This means there will be increased demand for key civil construction trades over the coming year – jobs that will be in hot demand include earthmoving plant operators, paving and surfacing workers and labourers.”
A boost in regional construction activity is also expected over the new year with top performing locations expected to be Townsville, Central Queensland and Far North Queensland. The CSQ also expects an increased level of training in these locations.
Schimming said CSQ’s training plan was tailored to the changing needs of the construction workforce in each region and responded to the influence of major projects in the pipeline.
“CSQ’s priority is making sure that all of the major projects and all regions in Queensland have a skilled and available local workforce to match the changing industry profile and to meet the specific needs at different stages of project delivery,” he said.
“Training dollars are available to those looking at entering construction, progressing their career or upskilling to take advantage of the new opportunities coming through the current industry cycle.”
Training and Skills Development Minister, Shannon Fentiman, said CSQ’s Annual Training Plan offered benefits to anyone with a career in the Queensland construction industry.
“It’s fantastic to have CSQ continue to invest in the training and skills development for the jobs in construction, now and into the future,” Fentiman said.
“We want more young people to undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship, and CSQ are providing valuable pathways to a successful and lifelong career in our construction industry.”