Wedoany.com Report on Feb 26th, Skills and Employment Minister Felix Ellis recently announced the official commencement of construction for Tasmania's brand-new Earthworks Academy school. This purpose-built school project aims to equip more Tasmanians with the employment skills required in the civil construction industry, fostering professional talent for the sector's growth.
The Earthworks Academy school will be located at Quercus Park in Carrick and will be presented as an open work site. It will provide students with practical training opportunities in a safe, controlled area that simulates industry conditions, allowing them to learn and grow in a realistic work environment. Minister Ellis emphasized that the construction of this school is a strong support for the future of the civil construction industry.
"This purpose-built school is significant as it will enable more Tasmanians to be fully prepared to enter the civil construction industry, ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers across the state to smoothly advance various infrastructure projects," said Minister Ellis. "The school will cultivate the specialized workforce needed to build the Macquarie Point multi-purpose stadium, major energy projects, and urgently required housing. We are contributing to Tasmania's development by training the next generation of skilled tradespeople in key areas, including earthmoving machine operators, bulldozer operators, excavator operators, grader operators, loader and roller operators, and truck drivers."
The Tasmanian Government places high importance on this school's construction and has committed $4.3 million towards the school's build and the purchase of training equipment. Minister Ellis explained that student training will be closely integrated with practical experience, with upgrades to the infrastructure at Quercus Park providing students with real-world practice. "This is a win-win situation. It both improves the infrastructure for the Tasmanian Rural Youth Organisation and the Agfest agricultural show, and paves the way for the next generation of Tasmanian construction workers towards valuable careers."
It is reported that the school will be operated by the Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania Branch and is expected to welcome its first cohort of students this year, embarking on their civil construction career learning journey.
