training workers for plant

Gladstone Oserver:



MAJOR industrial projects will require a different type of skilled worker in Gladstone.

Industrial group Boulder Steel and CQUniversity are preparing for this to ensure a local workforce is skilled to man the plant.

Boulder Steel technical consultant Graham Thompson met with representatives from CQUniversity in Gladstone yesterday to discuss new courses which could help “address future needs”.

Mr Thompson said although the project was on track for 2013 “the training will need to start well before the actual plant starts up".

The steel plant would require people with metallurgy skills, and the university is considering incorporating courses into existing engineering degrees.

The groups want to qualify members of the community for the project.

David Gilmour of Green Careers Pathways said the engineering program would encourage environmental sustainability components within the programs and was for people who wanted to go further.

“We're looking at career pathways for existing workers including tradespeople who are looking at getting into engineering or school leavers.”

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