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Civil construction workers, earthmoving plant operators, concreters and labourers will be in hot demand over the next few years, with Capricornia workers urged to take advantage of a $37.6M training package announced today.

A 33% increase in general construction activity forecast for Central Queensland, training and upskilling of the local workforce will be critical to ensure there are enough skilled workers to meet the increased demand.

Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) has announced the $37.6M training investment package as part of its 2019-2020 Training Plan, with specific training programs to match forecast industry activity and skilling requirements of major projects.

Speaking at an industry launch in Rockhampton this morning, CSQ CEO Brett Schimming said Capricornia has a growing pipeline of construction activity planned and underway.

“Central Queensland is projected to deliver an estimated $4.7B in construction activity over the next 12 months – an increase of 33% on the previous 12 months.

“This activity will be driven by an acceleration in engineering work connected to various large projects – around 100 major construction projects are confirmed for delivery over the next 2-3 years, with a further 175 potential projects planned but not yet committed.

“Big civil infrastructure projects like the Rockhampton Ring Road North, the Capricornia Correction Centre and the Gladstone Hospital Emergency Department are typical of the kinds of works driving up activity.

“The project pipeline is valued at between $3.7 billion (committed) and $20.1 billion (committed + potential) over the coming years.

“With the majority of these projects being large engineering projects, CSQ predicts an increased demand for civil construction workers, including earthmoving plant operators, concreters and labourers.”

“Our priority is making sure that these projects have a skilled and available local workforce to match changing project needs at various stages of their delivery and that is where this CSQ training investment comes in.

“It is also an opportunity for local workers to upskill by doing some training to take advantage of the new opportunities coming up in the Central Queensland employment scene.

The top 5 major construction projects committed or underway in Central Queensland include:

1. Shoalwater Bay Military Training Facility $2,300,000,000 Committed
2. Rockhampton Ring Road North $1,500,000,000 Committed
3. Capricornia Correctional Centre $145,000,000 Underway
4. Gladstone Hospital – Emergency Department $42,000,000 Underway
5. Kortes Resort Masterplan $30,000,000 Underway