Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), an industry body that funds training for construction workers, is this week launching its ‘Your Future Lies in Getting New Skills’ campaign targeting Queensland’s 175,000 tradespeople construction workers.
With the state’s construction scene thriving, the campaign will encourage tradespeople across the state to boost their future career options by doing CSQ-funded training. It has been developed to address an identified need for increased training and development of the industry’s workforce to meet the ongoing soaring demands of future projects.
CSQ Acting CEO, Geoff Clare, said the training rate in the construction industry is 30 per cent lower than in other industries, like manufacturing or mining, and misconceptions among the workforce need to be addressed quickly.
“One reason for the lower uptake of training in the construction industry is the perceived cost barrier – more tradies would be training if they knew that CSQ would cover nearly all of their training costs,” Mr Clare said.
“Only 30 per cent of construction workers know that CSQ funding covers between 75 per cent and 100 per cent of course costs. They would be surprised to learn that at least half of participants in CSQ-funded training have completed their course at no cost to themselves.”
“Training opens up more opportunities for workers but it also increases their salaries – a typical tradie with a vocational qualification earns 20 per cent more than someone with no post-school training.”
Mr Clare said the Queensland building and construction industry had continued with strong activity throughout COVID-19 and will remain a critical contributor to the state’s recovery.
“The construction industry has proven itself to be a resilient employer, continuing to operate and thrive throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” he commented.
“There really is no place like construction for the ability to quickly progress yourself by continuing to train and upskill throughout your career.”
TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Mary Campbell, said TAFE Queensland is proud to assist CSQ in providing a pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the growing employment demands of Queensland’s construction industry.
“In partnership with CSQ, we are ensuring Queensland building and construction workers have the training and skills required to secure the jobs of the future and advance their careers,” Mrs Campbell said.
“Thanks to CSQ, training is more affordable than ever, with eligible Queenslanders now able to complete selected qualifications for free or low cost.”
“From short courses and individual units of competency through to Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma level training, there has never been a better time to get started and build a lifelong career,” she added.