More than 150 participants have received free training thanks to a partnership between Bundaberg Regional Council and TAFE Queensland in a program aimed at building the region’s capacity to support Australia’s transition to a low-emissions economy.
The Green Jobs, Bright Future for Bundaberg program saw 163 enrolments across five TAFE courses in green industry technologies including sustainable energy systems and electric vehicle servicing.
Mayor Helen Blackburn said Council had facilitated the training by securing the funding that allowed TAFE to deliver the courses at no cost to students.
“We’re pleased to work alongside the Bundaberg TAFE to deliver local opportunities for local people,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“This initiative is helping to provide new skills to the region’s workforce to meet emerging industry demands.
“The training courses offered as part of the Green Jobs, Bright Future for Bundaberg program were designed in consultation with local industry stakeholders to ensure the skills being taught met the needs of the sector.
“It’s great to see so many locals taking up the opportunity to grow their skills to become part of a future-ready workforce for the region.”
TAFE Queensland General Manager (East Coast region) Mark Reilly highlighted the program’s impact in equipping the Bundaberg Region with a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.
“This program brought emerging industry skills to the Bundaberg Region in a meaningful way for local industries,” Mark said.
“With skills from Electric Vehicle work to solar and pre-apprenticeship electrical training, the Green Jobs, Bright Future for Bundaberg program saw TAFE Queensland put local businesses in the box seat to capitalise on rapidly evolving industries.
“A lasting impact has been made by the Bundaberg campus’ newfound ability to deliver training in the EV sector.”
The TAFE Queensland project team involved in delivering the program won the Industry Collaboration Award at the 2025 TAFE Queensland SkillsTech Staff Awards.
Mayor Blackburn said the success of the program stemmed from Council’s ongoing engagement with local industry and training organisations.
“We have a really strong Industry Reference Group that Council works with regularly on initiatives such as the Bundaberg Jobs Commitment,” she said.
The Green Jobs, Bright Future for Bundaberg program was developed in alignment with the Queensland Clean Energy Workforce Roadmap and the National Priority Fund and was delivered in partnership with TAFE Queensland.
