An upgrade to the Cairns-based Great Barrier Reef International Marine College will support students finding their sea legs and improve their skills in an upgraded training simulator.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman toured the college and announced up to $100,000 for upgrades to the campus that would benefit students aiming to launch their careers and keep the maritime industries steaming ahead.
“Attracting new people and upgrading the skills of workers is vital to every growing industry and ensuring training pathways prepare job-ready workers is a priority for the Palaszczuk Government,” Ms Fentiman said.
“This funding will upgrade simulator equipment and facilities for students studying Marine Engine Driver qualifications.
“The Great Barrier Reef International Marine College has fantastic equipment and facilities to support students learning, including a 20-metre commercially registered vessel, simulators, immersion pool and workshops.
“There is also a full mission bridge and tug-optimised bridge simulator, in addition to desktop simulators, which let students refine and improve their skills operating a variety of ships in a variety of ports.
“The training needs to stay up to date with the advances in technology and equipment the industry is adopting so we can keep the college’s service at a world-class level for students and our local industry.”
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said that students having access to more experience on dry land would help them when they moved into the workforce.
“Fishing, tourism and shipping are all important industries here in North Queensland that rely on having skilled, on-water workers and associated on-shore roles,” he said.
“This training and these facilities also attract people and businesses to Cairns from across Australia and internationally, which supports the wider economy too.”
Great Barrier Reef International Marine College provides maritime training to local, national and international clients and is part of the TAFE Queensland network.
It offers a range of short courses and accredited training from certificate I to IV level in maritime operations covering deck engineering and marine cooking qualifications.