The Jobs Queensland Board rolled into Ipswich to meet with employers to discuss future skills and jobs at a multi-million-dollar training facility.
The WesTEC Trade Training Centre in Springfield prepares students for jobs in retail, automotive, construction, healthcare and more and served as the best venue for the meeting to take place.
Jobs Queensland Board Chair Jim Varghese toured the facility and consulted local employers on workforce challenges and opportunities as he told media of the importance of the occasion.
“By 2025-26, Ipswich will need over 26,000 workers in the healthcare and social assistance sectors,” Mr Varghese said.
“WesTEC’s $10 million facility, including an eight-bed hospital ward and dedicated medical theory study space, positions us well to meet this need.
“The Ipswich region more broadly will need over 155,000 employees by 2025-26. That’s over 8800 more workers than it needed in 2021-22.
“I am a passionate local advocate for this region. Opportunities abound here in the western corridor for Queenslanders to get good jobs and enjoy a terrific lifestyle.”
State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen also took part in the tour and meeting, echoing the thoughts of Mr Varghese.
“Ipswich and Springfield are booming with strong employment growth, record infrastructure investment, and a solid economic outlook, so the focus of the Jobs Queensland Board on workforce planning is critical to giving our young people a fair go at building a great, rewarding career,” she said.
“Our local skills and training centres play a vital role in upskilling students and providing pathways to some of the most in-demand sectors in Ipswich including construction, electrotechnology and manufacturing.”
