The Queensland Government has unveiled its latest initiative—a cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing Skills Centre at Bundaberg TAFE—ushering in a new era of vocational training tailored to the demands of modern industry.

The hub aims to enhance specialised education in advanced manufacturing, leveraging the latest advancements in automation and augmentation technologies, the government said in a media statement.

Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith, hailed the investment as a transformative force for the community, asserting, “Our million-dollar Advanced Manufacturing Skills Centre will absolutely be a game-changer for the thousands of locals in the Bundaberg region who want to get into that industry.”

Smith emphasised the centre’s role in fostering local talent and fortifying the regional economy, stating, “This means that young people have a future that they can make sure that they stay in Bundaberg, get the skills that they need and have the jobs there for the future.”

The facility, strategically positioned to cater to the evolving needs of the agriculture sector, particularly food manufacturing, underscores the government’s commitment to harnessing technological innovation for economic growth.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum, extolled the significance of the initiative, declaring, “The new Miles Labor government is so proud to be providing state-of-the-art new facilities for Bundy and Wide Bay locals right here at Bundy TAFE.”

McCallum underscored the crucial role of the center in nurturing a skilled workforce primed for the demands of the burgeoning manufacturing landscape, remarking, “This new centre means that Bundy locals—and those in the Wide Bay—that want to get the skills that they need to get into the really good jobs that are coming through our Big Build, can do so right in their local community.”

Nathan Pole, TAFE Queensland Educational Operations Manager (Bundaberg Campus), echoed the sentiment of excitement surrounding the hub’s inauguration.

He underscored the vital role of the center in shaping the workforce of tomorrow, emphasizing, “This is a huge growth sector and an area where we really need those skills to be imparted on the students, both young and old, because the projections are for 9,500 workers in manufacturing across our region in the coming years.”