Collaboration key to SEQ’s Future Workforce
This month I had the honour of attending the launch of something truly exciting, which aims to cut through red tape, unlock regional funding, and champion the future of our region.
The University of Southern Queensland, in collaboration with TAFE Queensland, has launched the Southern Queensland Education Alliance (SQEA) – a coordinated strategy to unlock education-led development across the region.
By connecting education and training providers, government, and industry, the new alliance will drive opportunity and innovation to ensure the region is prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The SQEA will focus on building clear education-to-employment pathways, advocating for targeted regional infrastructure and funding, and ensuring education and training meet emerging industry needs.
Foundation members include UniSQ, TAFE Queensland, and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, with membership to expand to include schools, employers, community organisations, and government agencies.
The alliance represents a critical step forward for the region. By strengthening collaboration across education and industry, it will help ensure Southern Queensland’s communities and businesses continue to have access to the skilled workforce needed to thrive now and into the future.
With the region experiencing rapid population growth and rising demand for skills, partnerships like Southern Queensland Education Alliance are essential.
This coordinated approach will support lifelong learning, create strong regional voices, improve access to education, and foster regional economic growth – demonstrating how collaborative, locally driven initiatives can deliver lasting benefits for both business and community.
