Govt, employer program upskills builders in Queensland

The commonwealth and Northbuild, a commercial and residential construction company, are co-contributing more than $72,000 to train 11 workers in Certificate IV Frontline Management and a Diploma of Management.

Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans, and Member for Moreton, Graham Perrett, visited the Acacia Ridge TAFE where they toured two training facilities under construction by Northfield and met with workers.

"Northfield is one of many Australian businesses looking to the future," Evans said.

"The company has identified a skills gap in frontline management and, by working in partnership with the government, is taking the necessary steps to address that."

Perrett said the opportunity to co-invest with government to upskill workers was very important for local businesses.  
"I welcome this investment from the federal government for skills development and training in the Moreton region," Perrett said.

"It's great to see government and businesses working together to support career development in sectors like the construction industry."

David Nelson, general manager of Northbuild, said the co-funded training makes good business sense and is providing their employees with the opportunity to upskill.

"It will make us more competitive as an employer and allow us to retain local talent," Nelson said.

Dan George is one of the Northfield workers who will benefit from the training. George is a junior administrator who has been with the company two years, and now has the opportunity to upskill.

"The government's commitment to skilling Australians for the jobs of today and tomorrow means that people like Dan can develop their skills to progress their careers," Evans said.

The $700 million National Workforce Development Fund is supporting workforce development and training for new and existing workers in certificate and diploma-level qualifications and nationally-endorsed skill sets.

The government contributed $48,302 for the training program at Northbuild, while the employer contributed $23,791.