A NEW $11.8-million TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence has officially opened at Coomera in the Gold Coast.

The TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence at Coomera will train up to 500 students each year in a range of qualifications from marine craft construction to marine mechanical technology.

The facility includes workshops for electrical and mechanical work, fibre glass and lamination, marine textiles and upholstery, and an outdoor boat workshop, welding facilities and more.

Nearly 400 students have enrolled in marine construction, maintenance and related services at the new centre in 2023.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments as part of the Revitalising TAFE Campuses across Australia initiative.

The state-of-the-art facility includes workshops for electrical and mechanical work, fibreglass and lamination, marine textiles and upholstery, and an outdoor boat workshop, welding facilities, as well as classrooms and computer rooms.

Federal minister for skills and training Brendan O’Connor said jobs in the marine sector are vital for Queensland and this new centre will ensure the region has a sufficiently skilled workforce for the future.

“The previous federal government left one of the worst skills shortages in recent history, with skills deficits right across the economy – I’m glad to say we are working very productively with states and territories to fix that,” Mr O’Connor said.

Queensland minister for training and skills development Di Farmer said with Queensland boasting an extensive network of 21 ports and more than 6900 kilometres of coastline, the state’s maritime sector plays a critical role.

“That’s why the Queensland government is invested in the future maritime workforce and is delivering state-of-the-art training infrastructure to cater for the industry’s needs,” she said.

“The Coomera TAFE Marine Centre of Excellence will equip up to 500 students each year with the skills they need to cater for every facet of the marine industry – from marine technology, to boat building, maintenance and repair.”