The LNP will secure a pipeline of critical workers by addressing the root cause of Queensland’s skilled worker shortage if elected on October 26.
An LNP Government will fund a major hiring blitz to employ the next generation of TAFE teachers.
The $2 million recruitment drive will include five dedicated recruitment facilitators, who will identify and target specific areas where teacher shortages are causing the biggest impact.
Under Labor, teacher shortages have contributed to a large number of TAFE students not completing their training, leading to Queensland’s skills shortage.
Shadow Minister for Employment and Training Brent Mickelberg says it is essential to build TAFE’s capacity to train skilled workers for Queensland’s future.
“Over the last nine years, Labor has missed their apprenticeship completion target by 17,600,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“That’s 17,600 tradies and skilled workers that we don’t have in Queensland.
“TAFE class sizes are ballooning and the workload for current teachers is becoming unmanageable.
“We will embark on a recruitment drive by targeting trade professionals, recently transitioned Australian Defence Force veterans and stay-at-home parents wanting to return to work.
“The LNP has the Right Plan to ensure there are enough qualified teachers to train the skilled workers of tomorrow for Queensland.”
LNP Candidate for Barron River Bree James said Far North Queensland is crying out for more skilled workers.
"The LNP has the Right Plan to expand trades training and secure a pipeline of skilled workers by promoting upskilling opportunities for the next generation of TAFE teachers,” Ms James said.
“Queenslanders need a fresh start, and this this commitment to employ more TAFE teachers will play a huge role in boosting our skilled worker numbers.”
The LNP will also establish a dedicated TAFE teacher training precinct at the TAFE Centre of Excellence in Moreton, with satellite precincts in Central and North Queensland.
LNP candidate for Cairns Yolonde Entsch said these facilities will play a key role addressing the shortage of qualified TAFE teachers.
“Only by voting 1 LNP will Queenslanders get a Fresh Start, with a plan to get more tradies on the tools and a hiring blitz for TAFE teachers,” Ms Entsch said.
“Labor is desperate to hold onto power, but unless we change the government, we’ll continue to get more of the same.
“This is the opportunity for a Fresh Start with the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”