The Queensland Government is seeking to address challenges within the economy around skills shortages by delivering a $1.6 billion Finance, Trade, Employment and Training package as part of the latest state budget.
With one in five local jobs supported by exports, the budget includes $5 million in 2025-26 to help Queensland businesses expand into new international markets and strengthen existing trade relationships.
The budget also delivers an investment in the next generation of skilled workers to support new investment in Queensland. This includes a $201.1 million investment into new TAFE Centres of Excellence over four years.
In 2025-26, $40 million will also be invested to train trades workers, including electricians, carpenters, chefs, welders, and mechanics — all which will help build the infrastructure communities rely on, as well as the 2032 Delivery Plan for the upcoming Brisbane Olympic Games.
As Mining.com.au previously reported, Australia’s mining and energy sectors are poised for growth with an estimated 107 major projects valued at $130.9 billion forecast to proceed by 2029, according to the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA).
As these projects come online, the sector is expected to directly employ an additional 26,810 employees which increases the workforce by an additional 9.4% over five years.
Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the mining industry currently directly employs 324,800 people, with 21% of the workforce representing as female.
The demand for workers within the industry comes at a time when the sector is already a vital contributor to the Australian economy, as this news service previously reported the nation’s resources and METS sectors combine to contribute an estimated 15% towards the nation’s GDP and about 75% of exports.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates says the budget was delivering more trade and investment opportunities, as well as better training outcomes and more jobs for Queenslanders.
“We are delivering stability, certainty and enabling growth for our trading partners and for Queensland businesses – which is critical during the current period of global trade volatility,” Bates says.
“This is critical to ensure we can provide access to high-quality training and employment opportunities, which is at the heart of strong communities and resilient regional economies.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Queensland Resources Council
