A new Metal Trades, Manufacturing, and Robotics Centre has opened at the TAFE Queensland Bundamba campus to meet the growing demand for manufacturing skills in the Ipswich region and across the state.
Launched through a $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future program, the $7 million facility will support more than 380 students currently enrolled in engineering and manufacturing qualifications at the Bundamba campus.
The new facility will feature autonomous robotics and support competitive skills in the advanced manufacturing sector.
“Ipswich is growing rapidly and by 2025-26 around 1 in every 8 workers in the region will be employed in manufacturing,” said Member for Bundamba and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum.
“This facility is crucial for local workers to skill up for good, secure jobs, and it will further enhance advanced manufacturing excellence in Queensland.
The new Metal Trades, Manufacturing, and Robotics Centre aims to meet the Australian industry’s Best Practice Environmental Performance standards, with low emissions finished and composite timber products, energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and high-efficiency water fixtures.
The centre will incorporate a modern and flexible engineering training workshop, including a machine shop, fitting area, light and heavy fabrication and assembly area, robotic/Sub Arc Welding and Smart Factory.
It will also integrate all physical and virtual components for training, including software and systems, integration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, autonomous robotics and assistive technologies, augmented reality, and virtual reality.
The facility joins Advanced Manufacturing Skills Centres established across several TAFE Queensland campuses, including Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg, and Eagle Farm.
The Bundamba TAFE Campus offers a wide array of courses, including aged care, agriculture and horticulture, automotive, beauty and hairdressing, building and construction, business, electro-technology, engineering, general education, healthcare, hospitality and information technology.
