TAFE Queensland is expanding its marine college in Cairns and is partnering with Maritime Safety Queensland to offer a Certificate III in Maritime Operations.
The Queensland government announced on Monday (8 May) it would invest $16 million as part of the 2023-34 state budget to expand the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College.
The investment covers an extension of the facility, a new workshop, additional classrooms, offices and a new boat shed with an overall aim to improve maritime training.
The college is also partnering with MSQ to offer the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating).
The government said this would be the first time a Queensland institute has offered the certificate; it is currently only available in Tasmania, Newcastle and Perth.
The integrated rating ticket is an entry-level certificate that needs to be revalidated every five years, meaning it comes at a cost to employers and employees hoping to work in the maritime industry.
The government said the Australian Navy, via the Maritime Union of Australia, has gifted the college with a lifeboat and a DAVIT system for training.
The training program is enabled by the $21 million Backing Queensland Maritime Jobs program, which aims to support the maritime industry through more training, jobs and shipping routes.
“Today’s announcement is about more than bricks and mortar – it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class education and training in the regions,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
“This is about supporting and growing a vital Queensland sector, and ensuring these workers have every opportunity to participate in a locally-delivered, critical training program.”
Transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey said new workers had already started entering the industry.
“We set out to foster a sustainable Queensland maritime workforce and support more jobs here on Queensland shores,” he said.
“I am proud that our government can work alongside the Maritime Union [of] Australia to deliver the critical training the industry has been crying out for.”
MUA Queensland Branch secretary Jason Miners said the investment would strengthen and grow the domestic maritime industry.
“As we have seen with the cost of living pressures, it’s critical to secure supply chains and a strong maritime industry can help to ensure that by reducing our reliance on overseas goods,” he said.
“This is a great boost for local jobs here in Cairns. The MUA, along with industry, identified critical skills shortages and we thank the Palaszczuk government for their commitment to addressing this.”
Di Farmer, minister for employment and skills development and minister for training and skills development, said the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College is a major training destination for people looking to enter the maritime industry, refresh training or upskill.
“Upgraded and extended infrastructure at this facility will attract new students and ensure there is capacity to upskill the existing maritime workforce,” she said.
“By investing in training and jobs, we can ensure our maritime industry is sustainable and competitive well into the future – keeping good jobs and critical services afloat.”
And local MP Craig Crawford said Cairns is home to one of Australia’s most “strategically important” ports, which facilitates cruise visits, ship repair and maintenance and exports.
“Encouraging careers in the maritime industry is key to the continued progress and prosperity of the region,” he said.
Queensland construction arm QBuild is to deliver the expansion of the college. Construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2024 and reach completion in mid-2025.
And the government anticipates the Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Integrated Rating) will be offered in 2024.
