TAFE Queensland strengthens regional skills with new purpose built gas fitting workshop in Toowoomba

The contemporary space, officially opened on 28 January 2026 by the Honourable Ros Bates MP and the Honourable David Janetzki MP, reflects TAFE Queensland’s commitment to preparing Queenslanders for current and future workforce needs.

The workshop provides a real‑world training environment where students work directly with live LPG and natural gas systems found in domestic and commercial kitchens, caravans, boats, and other common industry settings.

This ensures apprentices gain the confidence, safety awareness, and technical capability required on modern job sites.

Among the first apprentices to train in the new facility is Nanango local and third‑year plumbing apprentice Juke, who works with Blackbutt Plumbing Solutions.

Now part of one of the first cohorts to use the new workshop, he said the opportunity to learn on industry‑standard gas-fitting equipment is invaluable.

“It’s great to train on proper equipment and know you’re learning what local employers actually need,” Juke said.

TAFE Queensland General Manager South West Region, Kate Venables, said the new workshop demonstrates TAFE Queensland’s commitment to meeting local workforce demand while providing practical, future‑focused training.

“This workshop is a great example of how TAFE Queensland is preparing local apprentices for current and future jobs, in line with the workforce needs of the region,” Ms Venables said.

“Students can train right here at home, building the skills local employers need.”

Industry involvement has shaped both the design and delivery of the facility and apprentices train on current LPG and natural gas systems, follow up‑to‑date safety standards, and gain the hands‑on experience essential for progressing through their licensing pathways.

TAFE Queensland also continues to build pathways for future apprentices through the Certificate II in Plumbing Services (11054NAT) TAFE at School course, which teaches foundational trade skills, workplace safety, and includes an 80‑hour supervised work placement for local high school students.

The gas fitting workshop is one of several major investments underway at the Toowoomba campus.

Construction has begun on a new $8 million plumbing tower, a multi‑storey training structure that will simulate both residential and commercial environments, giving apprentices the chance to practise complex installations and safety procedures in a realistic setting.