TAFE Marine Gold Coast

New Gold Coast marine training centre opens

A new, purpose-built training centre in the heart of the Coomera marine precinct is set to boost the prospects of Queensland's $1.4 billion boatbuilding industry.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said TAFE Marine Gold Coast would expand the industry's skills base by training 600 apprentices this year, rising to 1000 by 2010.

"This centre gives one of Queensland's fastest growing industries an excellent venue for training and development," Mr Welford said at the official opening today.

"Its flexible classroom areas and marine construction and mechanics workshops are all equipped with the latest technology.

"New apprentices will learn the intricacies of their trades and existing workers can upgrade their skills in an ideal location among many of the major industry players.

"Like other booming industries, marine construction has faced a skills shortage, which the Bligh Government is addressing through the $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan.

"This centre is tangible evidence of the commitment by our Government and industry to increase the quality and quantity of training in the boatbuilding industry.

"Its approach to skills development and retention is an example of innovation and entrepreneurship at its best."

Gold Coast TAFE is the lead institute in Queensland for marine construction training.

"The Gold Coast boatbuilding facilities at Coomera are the largest of their kind in the southern hemisphere and employ thousands of skilled craftspeople," Mr Welford said.

"The luxury yachts, cruisers and marine craft produced on the Gold Coast are currently sold in more than 30 countries.

"As with any successful industry the core is the quality of the product it manufactures.

"Commitment to training, availability of skilled workers and research and development protect the edge that keeps the market interested in Queensland's products."

The first class of apprentices started last November at the new 1445-sqm facility at Shipper Drive, Coomera.