The Queensland Government is funding training and assessment to help experienced workers in manufacturing, engineering and automotive industries gain formal trade qualifications, as part of a program aimed at addressing skills shortages across the state.
The Tradie Skills Recognition program will fund training and assessment for almost 2,400 Queenslanders across 43 trade qualifications, covering light and heavy automotive, engineering and manufacturing, personal services and hospitality.
According to the Queensland Government, eligible workers will receive a free recognition of prior learning assessment to identify any remaining training required for a formal qualification. The government will subsidise the remaining training, potentially reducing the time needed to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship.
The program is intended to help experienced workers qualify for more specialised roles while supporting businesses to address workforce gaps and increase capacity.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said recognising existing skills could help strengthen the state’s workforce.
“Tradie Skills Recognition will help fast-track formal qualifications by recognising the skills that Queenslanders have built, changing lives and boosting productivity for employers in our priority industries,” Bates said.
More than 20 registered training organisations will deliver the program, with TAFE and other training providers encouraged to work with employers and industry groups to identify eligible workers.
Construction Skills Queensland will separately support hundreds of experienced workers to gain formal qualifications across 17 construction trades.
Construction Skills Queensland chair Sue-Ann Fresneda said recognising existing experience was important as the industry prepared for a significant pipeline of work.
“When more workers hold recognised qualifications, the benefits extend well beyond the individual. Employers gain confidence in the capability of their workforce, industry productivity is strengthened, and Queensland is better positioned to meet future construction demand with a skilled and job-ready workforce,” Fresneda said.
Motor Trades Association of Queensland chief executive Rod Camm said the program could also expand the pool of qualified mechanics and reduce delays for motorists seeking vehicle servicing.
The Queensland Government said the initiative forms part of its efforts to address skills shortages and strengthen the state’s workforce. Further details about eligibility and funded training are available through the Tradie Skills Recognition program.
