A $7.5 million upgrade to the Ooralea Trade Training Centre in Mackay sees the doors open to a new Heavy Automotive Training Facility.
Funded by the state government, under the Big Build of TAFE, the facility will offer training in diesel fitting, mobile plant operation, and heavy vehicle maintenance, with many students undertaking their qualifications under the fee-free TAFE initiative.
Courses delivered in the new facility will include:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Diesel Fitting)
- Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Apprentice numbers in the region for these qualifications have grown by 26 per cent in the last 12 months, with strong demand for training places.
The top five VET disciplines in the Mackay region (in terms of student numbers) are Business, Electrical, Mechanical, Fabrication, Mobile Plant Technology and Plumbing.
It’s hoped the Heavy Automotive Training Facility will help to boost the number of qualified heavy automotive professionals for the region.
“This upgrade is making high quality training more accessible in our region and creating pathways to good local jobs,” said Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert.
“Final year apprentices will be able to complete their training right here in Mackay, instead of traveling to Rockhampton or Emerald for specialist training.
“Boosting training capacity will create a pipeline of qualified heavy automotive professionals – crucial to keeping our growing region’s industries operating and keeping jobs local.”
The new centre features modern specialty training equipment including an air brake simulator, hydraulic training stations, transmission training simulators, diesel engine benches and an air suspension training stand for trucks – allowing apprentices at all stages of their training to build their skills using the latest technology and equipment.
Vice-chancellor and president of CQUniversity Professor Nick Klomp, added: “We are delighted to celebrate the opening of this new facility and to now provide local apprentices in the region with a purpose-built facility that houses the latest technology and equipment.
“Using state-of-the-art resources and equipment will ensure our apprentices are being trained with the latest and best tools, better preparing them for their future careers and the needs and expectations of industry.”
The major infrastructure upgrade has also doubled the size of the existing CQUniversity Trade Training Centre at Mackay Ooralea.