New heavy auto training facility a big boost to local industry

By Jocelyn Sticklen

Ten years on from the CQUniversity and CQ TAFE merger, training facilities in the Mackay region have been extended and the University has officially opened a brand new $7.5 million specialised heavy automotive training facility at the Ooralea campus. 

The new Heavy Automotive Training Facility will offer training in diesel fitting, mobile plant operation, and heavy vehicle maintenance.

The courses that will be delivered in the new facility, boosting the number of qualified heavy automotive professionals for the region, include:

• Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Diesel Fitting)
• Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
• Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

The new facility features more than $2.4 million worth of modern specialty training equipment including an air brake simulator, hydraulic training stations, transmission training simulators, diesel engine benches and an air suspension training stand for trucks – allowing apprentices at all stages of their training to build their skills using the latest technology and equipment.

The major infrastructure upgrade has already generated up to 50 jobs during construction and doubled the size of the existing CQUniversity Trade Training Centre at Mackay Ooralea.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert MP officially opened the new facility on Wednesday, 7 August and said: “The Miles Labor Government is doing what matters for Central Queenslanders, ensuring our workforce is skilled to service the high-demand roles of the region. 

“This upgrade is making high quality training more accessible in our region and creating pathways to good local jobs. 

“Final year apprentices will be able to complete their training right here in Mackay, instead of traveling to Rockhampton or Emerald for specialist training.

“Boosting training capacity will create a pipeline of qualified heavy automotive professionals – crucial to keeping our growing region’s industries operating and keeping jobs local.”

Meanwhile, CQUniversity's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp said that the University was excited to be delivering a new facility to meet the needs of apprentices and employers in the Mackay region. 

“We are delighted to celebrate the opening of this new facility and to now provide local apprentices in the region with a purpose-built facility that houses the latest technology and equipment. 

“Using state-of-the-art resources and equipment will ensure our apprentices are being trained with the latest and best tools, better preparing them for their future careers and the needs and expectations of industry," Prof Klomp said. 

The new heavy automotive training facility was funded through the Labor Government’s $100 million Equipping TAFE for our Future commitment. 

Construction of the new project was undertaken by the WHF Group, a family-owned Mackay-based business established 30 years ago.

The opening of the new facility is a welcomed development for the region with local apprentice numbers having grown by 26 per cent in the last 12 months.