TAFE Queensland SkillsTech is celebrating National Skills Week by
facilitating specialised trade training to school students from rural and
remote Queensland.
Surat Basin Try’a Trade is a 10-week program, which rotates the
15-strong group of Grade 10 students through various trades such as diesel
fitting, welding, plastic welding, fabrication, gas fitting and electronics,
followed by industry familiarisation, site tours and vocational placement
components, giving them a head start for their future trade career.
The program is a result of collaboration with QMI Solutions and the
cream of Australia’s CSG/LNG industry crop including Arrow Energy, Australia
Pacific LNG, Queensland Gas Company and Santos GLNG Project. The Grade 10
students are drawn from places including Dalby, Chinchilla, Roma, Miles and
Wandoan.
TAFE Queensland SkillsTech Schools Unit Project Manager Robyn Fraser observes
the students are showing keen interest in taking on this world-class training
that will make them job ready. Currently at the end of Week Seven, the students
continue to display enthusiasm, which Ms Fraser also attributes to the passion
of the trade qualified teachers.
The teachers will complete their part this week and the program will
continue into Weeks Nine and Ten with site tours and vocational placement for
the students.
Arrow Energy Vice President of Community and Sustainable Development Leisa
Elder said she was proud of Arrow’s support for the program, especially in making
a positive contribution to a safe environment for young people to try practical
skills. Ms Elder adds that Arrow, as a key industry employer in the region, is keen
to support this unique program, which aims to broaden opportunities for young
people in industry.