CQUniversity joins pilot to focus on face-to-face training in rural and remote Queensland
Up to 1900 students in Central and North Queensland will benefit from a Rural and Remote Pilot, which will see 14 training providers, including CQUniversity, share in up to $10 million in additional funding to deliver face-to-face training in 16 priority qualifications.
The 12-month pilot is a key action under the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022–2032 (QWS) to deliver a local skills and job creation initiative to increase workforce capacity across the state.
It will focus on increasing the uptake of Certificate III and above qualifications by new students in 25 Local Government Areas in Central and North Queensland to meet local skills needs.
The pilot aims to identify if VET enrolments and completions by rural and remote students increase when training and support is delivered locally, and to help inform future VET investment in these communities.
CQUniversity will receive $1.6 million in funding to deliver the Certificate III in Community Services, Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance across the Banana Shire, Woorabinda Shire and Longreach and Central Highlands Regional Council areas.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum announced the Pilot at CQUniversity, meeting with staff and students studying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Primary Healthcare.
“The Queensland Government is committed to making sure all Queenslanders have access to training and to new and exciting job opportunities.
“Through our Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024-2028, we’re ensuring the best training is delivered right here in Queensland.
“In the regional forums that informed the development of the new Strategy, rural and remote Queenslanders told us that access to face-to-face training is one of the key challenges for those outside of our big cities.
“We’ve listened to that feedback and our $10 million Rural and Remote Pilot will provide greater access to education and training, to help build the skill base of these remote areas and boost their workforce.
“Across North and Central Queensland, we will tailor training to meet local skills needs, so we can keep jobs local – delivering both social and economic benefits.
“Importantly, the program will provide increased opportunities and support for people with disability and First Nations people, to participate in inclusive training.
“This Pilot highlights our commitment to providing access to good training and good jobs for all Queenslanders,” said Minister McCallum.
CQUniversity’s Deputy Vice-President, VET and Business Development, Peter Heilbuth said that CQUniversity is committed to increasing participation in all levels of education and training by providing access to flexible learning and teaching systems and programs, as well as tailored student support offerings.
“At CQUniversity we firmly believe that geography should never be a barrier to individuals being able to study and attain a qualification that will benefit their careers and communities.
“As a delivery partner within this pilot, we are well-placed to support students and deliver high quality training in health and community services.
“Skills within these service areas are in high need within rural and remote regions in central and western Queensland and we look forward to working with the Queensland Government and these communities to deliver these much-needed skills,” said Mr Heilbuth.
The available courses will be delivered via a ‘Hub’ model in the four rural and remote regions within CQUniversity’s delivery footprint (Woorabinda, Longreach, Biloela and Emerald).
In Emerald, delivery will happen at the CQUniversity campus while in other regions CQUniversity will soon announce delivery partner sites.
Students will also benefit by being able to access CQUniversity’s innovative online learning resources and academic and student support at times that suit them.
Courses will be open for enrolment soon, with study to commence later this year. In the meantime, students can register their interest online and find out more about study requirements and course fees at www.cqu.edu.au/tafe.
