Qld construction charts new training course

CONSTRUCTION Skills Queensland (CSQ) has initiated a new training plan to help counter the recent construction cycle downturn and prepare for the next major upturn.

CSQ has released its 2015-2016 Annual Training Plan, with CEO Brett Schimming outlining a targeted strategy “to help the industry adapt to a complex and changing landscape” by focusing on regional support. 

Mr Schimming said the cyclical nature of the construction industry was nothing new, which is why CSQ will invest more than $33.5 million in training and skilling initiatives to assist Queensland’s building and construction career seekers, apprentices, workers and employers over the next 12 months.

“Currently we are seeing a reduction in the engineering construction sector, which has been offset partially by some growth in the residential sector,” Mr Schimming said.

“Construction continues to be a significant industry contributor to state growth in Queensland so it’s vital that we invest in training and build a skilled workforce capable of delivering the projects of the future.”

Mr Schimming said skilling and workforce development required a regional focus.

“We’re now focusing on the regions in a much more precise way, with workforce analysis and planning building a clear picture of the occupations that will be strategically important in the future.

“CSQ recognises that workforce trends vary considerably across the state, so we have developed detailed regional plans to help us carefully target our skilling programs and investment.

In addition to changes in workforce demand, Mr Schimming said new technologies were starting to have an impact on the industry. 

“We now have 3D printers, ‘cool bricks’ and increasingly sophisticated building software. New technology is enhancing project collaboration and we are designing better and building faster,” he said.

“There has also been a rapid increase in the number of buildings and dwellings using pre-fabricated components. We are straddling a technology gap, at one end of the spectrum we have a generation who have never been without a mobile phone, and at the other are those who never even touch a computer.

“This highlights how important it is to keep training and skilling throughout your career. You have to keep up to date with the changes. There will definitely be an increasing demand for specialist knowledge in the future.”

CSQ is also offering offers funding for a number of short courses which can help workers in the industry to upskill.

www.csq.org.au

 

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