TAFE Queensland and East Coast Apprenticeships sign trade apprentice MOU

East Coast Apprenticeships Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Atkinson said the MOU acknowledges the continued partnership to strengthen delivery of quality vocational educational training to Queensland apprentices and trainees.

“The signing of the MOU between East Coast Apprenticeships and TAFE Queensland represents a significant milestone following 36 years of working together. Everything that we do begins and ends with the success of our apprentices, trainees and host employers,” Ms Atkinson said.

“The partnership will enable a more seamless training and employment experience for apprentices by leveraging the expertise and immense wealth of knowledge that exists across the two organisations. I look forward to setting a new benchmark for excellence in VET by joining forces with the team at TAFE Queensland,” she said.

There are currently over 275 East Coast Apprenticeships apprentices enrolled in trade qualifications at TAFE Queensland in industries including automotive, construction, electrotechnology, engineering, furnishing and manufacturing.

The partnership will provide further impact to Queensland’s larger construction trade workforce in preparation for increased demand for housing, road and rail infrastructure, and legacy infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

TAFE Queensland Chief Executive Officer John Tucker said the MOU is a great example of how two leaders within their respective industries can work together to strengthen their ongoing commitment to providing Queensland employers with skilled and job-ready workers for the future.

“This partnership will see both parties involved seek to grow the overall pipeline for Queensland apprentices and trainees through presenting and working together to promote sustainable opportunities inherent in pursuing a vocational aligned career,” Mr Tucker said.

“The collaboration will provide the opportunity for TAFE Queensland, to deliver additional training capacity using our world-class facilities, which will provide Queensland with highly sought after qualified worker resources to bridge the construction labourer gap needed for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic construction blitz due to commence in the new year.”

"For new school leavers I would say get involved. We know the jobs are out there. There is an enormous amount of infrastructure needed for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and legacy projects with many general labourers, engineers, electricians, plumbers and auto technicians being in high demand over the coming years. So if you are looking to kick-start a rewarding career in trades, then there has never been a better time to get started,” he said.