THE shadows cast by the GFC are lifting and the future of our vibrant city is beginning to look brighter by the day.

Now is the right time for the tropical north to unveil a long-term vision and begin putting plans in place to secure our city's position as a thriving centre in every sector, be it education, business or industry.
As the region's leading supplier of vocational education, Tropical North Queensland TAFE is already cementing its future through innovation and flexibility, and by being responsive to local and international industry needs.
At TNQ TAFE we are proud to be the region's leader in vocational education, and we plan to keep it that way by broadening our framework and evolving to meet new demands.
Millions of dollars have been spent upgrading our facilities, our teachers are experienced professionals and our programs are tailored to suit not just industry but also individuals.
 In the past two years, more than $40 million dollars has been spent upgrading the Cairns campus, which includes modern and industry-relevant trade, horticulture and nursing training facilities, new classrooms, office space and technology.
The developments also included areas specially designed to accommodate our increasing international student population.
Every development has been undertaken with scope for growth and change according to industry demand.
We've been proactive in forming and enhancing relationships with local industry and have established strong partnerships and training contracts with international clients, including the PNG Government, and the mining sector  a clear example of TNQ TAFE's commitment to continued viability during turbulent economic times.
There's also our partnership with the JCU Pathway College, which opens up more options for students considering university study.
Our programs have evolved and developed with the changing times. For example, TNQ TAFE introduced Chinese Mandarin language courses to help Cairns prepare for the influx of Chinese visitors.
We also developed business-specific programs to prepare our tourism and hospitality operators.
And we've changed the way we offer training too.
Today's student needs flexibility for when full-time study is just not an option. Now there is part time, distance delivery, after hours and in some cases, online.
 In a nutshell, TNQ TAFE is ready.
We have the vision and the plans, and we want to take the community with us on this exciting journey that is the future.
I applaud the effort that has been put in already by local organisations and authorities.
Now we need to ensure everyone is well-skilled to reap the rewards. tag The Cairns Post today continues its Cairns Way Ahead campaign  a forum for civic leaders and residents to provide their opinions on the way to a brighter future for Cairns.
If you would like to join the debate, email damon.guppy@news.com.au
Tomorrow: Kim Andersen, manager of the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College.

 

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