As the “silly season” approaches, Australians hit the road in record numbers—heading off on holidays, camping trips, and long-awaited family adventures. With more traffic, higher fatigue, extreme heat and rapidly changing weather, road and off-road incidents increase across the country.

Whether you’re towing, highway driving, or exploring new off-road tracks, the key to a safe holiday is preparation, confidence, and the right 4WD skills.

A High-Risk Time of Year for Australian Drivers

Holiday driving comes with added risks, especially when vehicles are heavily loaded or travelling long distances. Common challenges include:
• Heavy traffic and extended travel times
• Driver fatigue from busy end-of-year schedules
• Stress, distraction, and time pressure
• Increased off-road exploration by inexperienced drivers
• Summer storms and rapidly changing track conditions

Even experienced drivers can find themselves in dangerous situations without the correct knowledge and preparation.

Why Refresh Your 4WD Skills Before Your Holiday Trip

A high-quality 4WD training course gives you the confidence and practical skills needed to stay safe during the busiest time of year on Australian roads.

A refresher helps you:
• Understand your vehicle’s 4WD systems and technology
• Build confidence before tackling unfamiliar terrain
• Prevent incidents with correct driving techniques
• Learn safe, controlled recovery methods
• Make smarter decisions in unpredictable conditions

Refreshing your 4×4 skills now is one of the best investments you can make for a safe and stress-free holiday.

Essential Holiday Driving Safety Tips

Stay safe on the road this festive season by keeping these key tips in mind:
• Plan your trip and avoid driving tired
• Take breaks every two hours
• Adjust your driving for heavy loads and towing
• Allow extra time—don’t rush in holiday traffic
• Stay alert, drive defensively, and watch for changing conditions

Invest in a Safer Holiday Season

The festive season should be filled with adventure—not preventable accidents. A small investment in 4WD or road safety training goes a long way toward protecting you, your passengers, and your vehicle.

With limited courses remaining, now is the time to book and head into the holidays with confidence.

Drive smart. Drive safe. Enjoy the journey.

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In early December, AWCC travelled across Western Queensland to strengthen long-standing industry relationships and reinforce the connection between high-quality training and real on-site capability. 

The first stop was Roma, where the team met with Wild Desert leadership and toured their facility. The visit provided valuable insight into their operations, equipment standards, and workforce capability—many of whom have completed training through AWCC. As the team departed Roma, a significant storm swept across the region, highlighting the challenging and unpredictable conditions faced by the industry. 

From Roma, the team travelled east to Rig 20 to demonstrate ongoing collaboration between Wild Desert and AWCC at a working site. The ground was muddy underfoot after the storm, but the rig and equipment were exceptionally well maintained. The crew on site displayed strong competency and professionalism—clear evidence of the effectiveness of AWCC’s hands-on training approach. 

Following the Rig 20 visit, AWCC continued south-east to Wild Desert’s newest asset, Rig 36. Joined by Origin’s Operational Control Representatives (OCRs) and the Wild Desert Rig Manager, the team was provided with a full tour of the operation. Rig 36 showcased modern rig capability, strong safety culture, and efficient systems, once again reinforcing the value of collaboration between training providers and industry operators. 

These visits highlight a key strength of AWCC’s approach: engaging directly with industry in their operational environments. By being on site, speaking with crews, and experiencing the conditions firsthand, AWCC ensures training remains relevant, practical, and aligned to what employers require. 

Collaboration between training organisations and industry is vital to workforce readiness, safety, and long-term capability building. AWCC’s commitment to maintaining these partnerships—through genuine face-to-face engagement—continues to strengthen the bridge between classroom training and the demands of the field, supporting a workforce that is skilled, confident, and job-ready. 

This trip served as another reminder that when trainers and operators work closely together, the outcomes are safer operations, stronger teams, and a more capable energy sector. 

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AWCC Holiday Closure: 22 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

As the year winds down and worksites across Australia prepare for a well-earned break, the holiday period brings both celebration and increased risk. December is traditionally one of the busiest—and most hazardous—times for workers in the energy, mining, and construction sectors. With tighter deadlines, reduced staffing, and heightened fatigue, the likelihood of incidents rises significantly.

At AWCC, safety isn’t seasonal. It’s a year-round commitment. That’s why, as we approach the end of 2025, we want to highlight key safety reminders, help you plan your training needs, and ensure your team heads into the new year confident, compliant, and ready.

A Higher-Risk Time of Year: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

The holiday period often sees:

Increased travel and fatigue, compressed work schedules before shutdown, new starters entering worksites, higher workplace incident rates, especially involving falls, equipment handling, and vehicle movement.

Whether you’re preparing for a shutdown, ramping up for January operations, or sending crews home for break, now is the time to prioritise safety conversations and reinforce best practices.

Encourage your teams to:
✓ Slow down and avoid rushing tasks
✓ Double-check equipment and safety controls
✓ Speak up about hazards and near misses
✓ Take time to reset mentally before returning in January

A safe end to 2025 ensures a strong start to 2026.

January Training Is Filling Fast

Many companies use the December–January break to plan their training needs for the year ahead. With high demand expected in early 2026, we encourage:

✓ Corporate clients to pre-book short courses

✓ Well servicing teams to secure IWCF dates

✓ New starters to take advantage of Turbo Program & SAS Funding opportunities

✓ Safety reps to confirm HSR refresher schedules

Your January planning now prevents delays later.

AWCC Holiday Closure Dates

Our centres will be closed from Monday 22 December 2025 and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026.

During this period, emails and enquiries may experience delays. All bookings received over the break will be actioned when the team returns.

We recommend securing December and early January training before the 22nd to avoid missing out.

Thank You for a Big 2025

2025 has been an incredible year of growth and progress for AWCC. From expanding training centres, to new programs, to helping hundreds of workers enter or advance within the industry—none of it would be possible without your trust and support.

To our students, partners, corporate clients, and industry friends:
Thank you for choosing AWCC as your training provider.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

From all of us at the Australian Well Control Centre, we wish you and your families a safe, restful, and enjoyable break. Stay safe, look after one another, and we’ll see you in 2026 with more courses, more opportunities, and more ways to support your success.

Book Before the Break

Secure your final 2025 training or lock in your January dates now.

👉 View courses
👉 Bookings & enquiries: admin@wellcontrolcentre.com.au

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Weekly courses every Monday – Brisbane & Toowoomba
Course Code: RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights

Working at heights remains one of the highest-risk activities across Australia’s energy, mining, and construction sectors. Despite strict regulations and ongoing awareness campaigns, fall incidents continue to occur far too often, many resulting in severe injury and, in some cases, fatalities (WorkSafe, 2025).

Whether you’re climbing, accessing elevated structures, performing maintenance, or working from platforms, being properly trained isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s a critical safety layer protecting both you and your team.

At AWCC, the Work Safely at Heights course is designed to build real confidence, develop practical capability, and ensure workers understand how to identify, plan for, and control the risks associated with working above ground level.

Why This Course Is Essential

Falls from height remain a leading cause of workplace incidents across high-risk industries. Workers need more than theoretical knowledge—they need hands-on practice, real equipment familiarity, and the ability to make safe decisions under pressure.

At AWCC, the Work Safely at Heights course equips participants with exactly that.

What You’ll Learn (Performance Skills)

Across this one-day course, students will demonstrate key competencies, including how to:

• Access, interpret and apply safety documentation and work instructions

• Assess hazards and risks associated with working at heights

• Select, wear, and maintain essential PPE

• Identify and operate safety systems such as fall protection equipment

• Correctly fit, adjust, inspect, and anchor harnesses and associated gear

• Safely perform tasks while working at heights

• Implement effective control measures to keep both themselves and co-workers safe

These skills aren’t just assessed once, participants must demonstrate competence over multiple scenarios to ensure they’re ready for real-world tasks.

Knowledge Gained (Theory Skills)

Upon completion, candidates will also be able to:

• Identify and explain equipment components and their functions

• Comply with manufacturer specifications and regulatory requirements

• Safely shift and handle tools and materials at height

• Understand key safety systems and height-specific work practices

• Implement work methods that ensure compliance and efficiency

• Apply safe work procedures to various elevated work environments

This balance of knowledge and performance ensures students walk away with a fully rounded understanding of height safety, essential for preventing incidents and meeting employer expectations.

Why Train with AWCC?

At AWCC, we don’t just teach the theory, we bring real industry experience into every session.

Our trainers are actual industry professionals with backgrounds as Derrickmen, Riggers, and more. They’ve worked in the same environments you’re heading into, and they understand the realities of fieldwork.

Our Purpose-Built Heights Facility Sets Us Apart

Forget converted containers or basic setups. AWCC has invested in a purpose-built, one-of-a-kind Heights Facility designed to replicate real tasks performed in the Energy, Mining, and Construction sectors—within a controlled, safe environment.

This isn’t a simulator. It’s a genuine heights experience where you’ll practice:

• Equipment setup

• Safe climbing

• Anchor system use

• Fall protection system checks

• Controlled work from elevated structures

Because we’ve worked in the field, we built a facility that actually reflects it.

Additional AWCC Advantages

• A genuinely supportive and high-quality training experience

• Weekly courses every Monday in both Brisbane and Toowoomba

• Face-to-face instruction + extended hands-on training

Who Should Attend?

This course is essential for:

• Construction workers

• Energy & mining personnel

• Field technicians

• Maintenance workers

• Any worker needing Work Safely at Heights certification for site access or job readiness

Book Your Working at Heights Course

AWCC delivers RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights every Monday in Brisbane and Toowoomba.

Secure your spot and get job-ready with industry-leading training.

👉 View upcoming dates & book now: RIIWHS204E Work Safely at Heights

👉 For group bookings or corporate training: admin@wellcontrolcentre.com.au

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The AWCC Turbo Program continues to surge forward, cementing its position as one of the most impactful pathways into the Oil & Gas industry. Designed as an accelerated, seven-day qualification delivered from our Brisbane and Toowoomba training centres, the Turbo Program provides students with the nationally recognised RII21120 Certificate II in Oil & Gas Drilling (Onshore) and Well Servicing, and a fast-track into real workforce opportunities.

This hands-on, industry-aligned qualification equips future roustabouts, lease hands, utility workers, floormen and motormen with the practical capability and confidence needed to step onto site safely, competently and job-ready. With 12 essential units, including rig lease operations, gas testing atmospheres, 4WD operations, working at heights, confined space entry and more. Graduates complete the program with the full skill set required for entry-level drilling and well servicing roles.

Award-Winning, Industry-Recognised Training

With growing recognition and award wins, the Turbo Program is proving itself as a game-changing entry pathway into Oil & Gas.

It was recently named Winner of the 2025 Surat Basin Energy Award – Innovation Category, acknowledging its forward-thinking structure and direct impact on the regional workforce.

It was also a Finalist in two categories at the 2025 Toowoomba Business Excellence Awards:

• Innovation & Technology
• Professional Services

These achievements reinforce the program’s quality, credibility and growing industry influence.

SAS Funding Now Available – Making Oil & Gas Careers More Accessible Than Ever

One of the biggest accelerators of the Turbo Program’s success has been the introduction of SAS Funding, now available to eligible students.

This is a major shift for Queenslanders.
For the first time, individuals who may have felt a career in Oil & Gas was financially out of reach now have a genuine, affordable pathway into one of Australia’s highest-demand sectors.

SAS Funding is opening doors for:

• School leavers looking for a clear, fast, job-ready career pathway
• Parents wanting to support their teens or young adults into a safe, future-focused industry
• Friends or family members seeking a fresh start or career change
• Regional Queenslanders who want secure, well-paid employment close to home
• Anyone wanting a nationally recognised qualification without years of study

This funding has already led to a strong surge in enquiries, eligibility checks and confirmed bookings, proving just how needed and valued this support is across the community.

For many households, this is not just training. It’s an opportunity that can genuinely change someone’s future.

Strong Bookings and a Growing Pipeline of Future Talent

Over the past month, AWCC has seen a steady rise in enrolments across both Brisbane and Toowoomba. Families are referring family. Workers are encouraging their mates. School leavers are calling after hearing about funding from teachers, parents, or past students.

The message is clear:

This program is becoming a pathway of choice for those seeking real opportunity, real skills and real employment outcomes.

Graduates may also be considered for the AWCC ACCESS Labour Program, offering potential placement opportunities directly into Oil & Gas operations, a major advantage for anyone eager to start work immediately.

Career Pathways Beyond the Certificate

Upon completion of the RII21120 qualification, graduates gain the foundation to move into key career pathways, progressing from entry-level roles through to highly skilled positions, including:

Certificate III (coming soon to AWCC)

• Derrickman
• Assistant / Trainee Driller

Certificate IV

• Driller

Diploma

• Rig Manager
• Toolpusher
• Night Push

A Program Designed for Industry, Backed by Industry

As the Oil & Gas sector continues to grow, AWCC’s Turbo Program is perfectly placed to supply industry with safe, competent and job-ready personnel. Now, with the addition of SAS Funding, the program is more than just innovative, it’s accessible, affordable and transformational. Anybody can assess their eligibility on our SAS funding page.

For families, parents, school leavers and anyone looking for a new direction, this is a rare opportunity to access industry-leading training at a significantly reduced cost. With enrolments climbing and recognition growing, the Turbo Program is set to shape the workforce powering Australia’s future energy projects.

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This month, our trainers at the Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) have been especially busy delivering a wide range of Dangerous Goods (DG) training courses across Queensland. From in-house sessions at our Toowoomba and Brisbane training centres to onsite delivery at external client facilities, the rising demand for DG training highlights the essential role these programs play in maintaining safe, compliant, and effective operations across the energy, resources, and transport sectors.

Supporting Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials

Our Dangerous Goods courses ensure personnel are equipped with the knowledge and competencies required to safely handle, store, classify, and transport hazardous materials in accordance with Australian standards and regulatory requirements.

Throughout the sessions, participants gained critical knowledge in:

• Dangerous Goods classifications

• Safety and environmental risk management

• Correct labelling, placarding, and documentation

• Segregation and storage rules

• Manual handling and safe work procedures

• Spill response and emergency protocols

These comprehensive courses are designed to reduce workplace risks, strengthen compliance, and support a positive safety culture across all industrial environments.

Flexible Training Delivery for Industry Needs

To support the diverse operational requirements of our clients, AWCC delivers Dangerous Goods training in multiple formats:

• In-house DG courses at our Toowoomba and Brisbane facilities

• Onsite training delivered directly at client workplaces

• Customised training options tailored to specific hazards, industries, or workforce needs

This flexible delivery model ensures organisations can schedule training around operations while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Committed to Raising Safety Standards

We are extremely proud of the dedication shown by our training team and the strong engagement from participants this month. Every completed Dangerous Goods course strengthens industry-wide capability and contributes to safer, more compliant workplaces across Queensland’s vital oil and gas, resources, and transport sectors.

Looking to Strengthen Your Team’s Safety Capabilities?

AWCC offers a full suite of safety, compliance, and industry skills courses, including Dangerous Goods, Confined Space, Working at Heights, Gas Test Atmosphere, and more. Check out our courses page.

Equip your workforce with nationally recognised, practical, and industry-relevant training.

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The Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) was proud to attend the recent TSBE Manufacturing event at Wellcamp Airport — an event that highlighted just how quickly Queensland’s manufacturing landscape is evolving. With $29 million now being injected into Queensland’s manufacturing economy statewide, and a further $79.1 million in new industry grants currently being distributed across the regions, the momentum behind manufacturing, skills development and regional capability has never been stronger. 

As South East Queensland reaches its natural limits for expansion, Toowoomba is emerging as the ideal location for the next stage of Queensland’s industrial growth. The region offers space, infrastructure, a motivated workforce and a forward-thinking business community. At the event, the message was clear: Toowoomba is not just participating in Queensland’s future — it is positioning itself as a major industrial hub ready to support advanced manufacturing, energy projects, defence capability and global export pathways. 

One of the most compelling stories presented was the manufacturing of the Ghost Bat autonomous drone aircraft, a world-leading defence project being built right here in Toowoomba. This single initiative brings with it the need for around 120 highly skilled workers, ranging from engineering and fabrication to testing, logistics and operational support. It’s a powerful example of what the region is capable of when innovation meets local opportunity. It also reinforces the reality that high-value projects require a high-value workforce — something the region must continue to build at pace. 

However, industry growth comes with challenges. Labour shortages and widening skill gaps were common themes throughout the event, particularly as Queensland opens nine new areas for gas exploration and ramps up activity across manufacturing, construction, gas, and defence. Businesses are ready to scale, but the workforce pipeline needs strengthening. This is where targeted training and genuine industry involvement become critical. 

The discussions at Wellcamp made it clear that Queensland is driving innovation, improving supply chain resilience, reducing red tape, and positioning regional centres like Toowoomba as gateways to global markets. The opportunities ahead are significant — but they can only be realised with coordinated community, industry and training support. 

For AWCC, this event wasn’t just another item on the calendar. It was a reflection of who we are and why we operate the way we do. While some training providers remain on the sidelines, AWCC is actively involved in the conversations shaping Toowoomba’s future. We were in the room, listening to industry leaders, understanding emerging workforce needs, and strengthening the relationships that help our region thrive. This is our difference. We are invested in the community, engaged with industry, and focused on delivering training that supports real jobs and real futures. 

Toowoomba stands on the brink of major economic transformation. More manufacturing, more defence capability, more gas development, and more investment will mean more opportunities for local workers, school-leavers and career changers. With the right training, safety skills and industry readiness, the region can seize these opportunities and build a workforce that attracts even more projects to our doorstep. 

AWCC is proud to be part of this momentum — supporting the region, strengthening industry capability, and helping ensure Toowoomba continues to grow as one of Queensland’s most important industrial centres. Our commitment to the community and our involvement in events like TSBE’s manufacturing showcase demonstrate our belief in this region: its people, its potential, and its future. 

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The Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) is pleased to announce a major expansion to our training portfolio with the upcoming release of a completely redesigned Well Intervention Course, scheduled to launch in 2026. This program marks a significant step forward in the evolution of intervention training in Australia, setting a new benchmark for relevance, accuracy and industry alignment. 

For many years, AWCC has been recognised nationally as a leader in well control training. Our close partnership with operators, drilling contractors and service companies has given us a deep understanding of both the challenges and expectations associated with high-risk field activity. As intervention operations have grown more sophisticated, it has become clear that the training supporting these activities must evolve at the same pace. The industry has asked for training that reflects real-world practices, modern equipment, changing well environments and contemporary barrier philosophy — and AWCC has responded. 

To achieve this, AWCC has assembled a group of highly respected intervention specialists to author a brand-new program. These subject matter experts bring decades of hands-on experience across slickline, coiled tubing, wireline, snubbing operations, pressure control, well integrity, diagnostics and live-well operations. Their combined knowledge ensures the content is not only current, but practical, realistic and immediately applicable in the field. This is training written by people who have not just studied intervention — they have lived it.

The new course will deliver a comprehensive and modern approach to pressure control, well behaviour, barrier systems, operational decision-making and risk management. It will explore contemporary intervention techniques, enhanced communication expectations, updated equipment standards and the behavioural and human-factors components now recognised as essential to safe intervention work. Rather than simply meeting a minimum requirement, the program aims to elevate the competence and confidence of every participant. 

Importantly, AWCC will offer this course in both face-to-face and remote delivery formats, ensuring that operators and contractors across Australia can access high-quality intervention training regardless of location. Face-to-face delivery will take place through our Brisbane and Toowoomba training centres, providing convenient access for Queensland-based personnel, while remote delivery will allow companies operating in remote or fly-in, fly-out regions to benefit from the same award-winning instructors and industry expertise without compromising on learning outcomes.

This dual-delivery model reflects AWCC’s commitment to accessibility, flexibility and modern training practice — and ensures that regional projects, remote crews and interstate operations can benefit from the program without logistical barriers. 

The decision to invest in such an extensive redevelopment demonstrates AWCC’s ongoing commitment to leadership across the industry. As the workforce prepares for a new cycle of drilling, completions and intervention activity, it is essential that training providers offer more than legacy content. AWCC continues to support the full workforce pipeline, from entry-level training through our 7-Day Turbo Program (Certificate II in Oil & Gas Drilling (Onshore) and Well Servicing), right through to advanced well control and now contemporary well intervention training. This progression ensures that new entrants, developing workers and technical specialists all have access to training that genuinely prepares them for field demands.

Our entrance into the well intervention space sends a clear message: AWCC is committed to lifting the standard of intervention training across Australia. We have built our reputation on delivering quality, not quantity. We are trusted because we deliver outcomes, not certificates. And as the demands on the workforce increase, AWCC intends to stand at the forefront of capability development. 

The release of the new Well Intervention Course in 2026 is not simply an additional program — it is a statement of our intent to support industry growth, strengthen field performance and uphold the safety culture that defines the Australian energy and resources sector. 

AWCC is proud to lead in well control. We are proud to step forward confidently into well intervention. And we are proud to prepare the workforce for the challenges and opportunities of the years ahead — face-to-face, remotely, and wherever industry needs us. 

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A new chapter in Australia’s oil and gas workforce development is underway in Toowoomba, with the Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) taking delivery of its custom-designed Fluid Transfer Unit — a purpose-built, full-scale training system developed exclusively by AWCC and the first of its kind in the country. Now in the final stages of assembly, the unit will be fully operational in early 2026, delivering a level of realism, capability and technical depth that has not previously existed in Australian training. 

Designed from the ground up by AWCC, the Fluid Transfer Unit was created to address a critical gap in hands-on competency development. Fluid movement sits at the heart of drilling, completions and well servicing operations, yet most personnel entering the industry only encounter these complex systems for the first time once they reach the field. AWCC chose to change that. 

The new unit integrates real, industry-grade equipment, including a mud separator, agitators, a single shaker, degasser, desander, a functional mixing hopper and operational trip tanks. This configuration replicates the full operational behaviour of a field-ready fluid system, allowing trainees to experience live circulation, equipment response, flow dynamics, solids removal, gas separation, pressure variations and system interactions in real time. 

While the system includes full mud-handling functionality, its capability extends far beyond traditional mud system training. The Fluid Transfer Unit enables instruction in fluid logistics, pump operations, transfer processes, flow path management, barrier interpretation, operational troubleshooting and emergency response — providing a comprehensive environment for developing both foundational and advanced skills. 

This innovation is set to become a cornerstone of AWCC’s upcoming Turbo Cert III Program, launching in 2026. Turbo Cert III combines and clusters two nationally recognised qualifications — RII32020 Certificate III in Drilling Oil & Gas (Onshore) and RII32220 Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations — to create a single, streamlined training pathway that results in dual qualifications. Traditionally delivered as separate programs, AWCC’s integrated approach significantly enhances learning efficiency, aligns training more closely with real field career progression and produces graduates who are competent across both drilling and well servicing disciplines. 

By incorporating the Fluid Transfer Unit into Turbo Cert III, AWCC ensures participants gain hands-on experience that mirrors the conditions and challenges they will face in the field. Trainees will see how fluid behaviour affects well integrity, how equipment interacts under differing operational loads, and how critical decisions must be made during fluid transfer and circulation activities. This practical learning model supports a stronger, more confident and more technically capable workforce — ready for deployment across both drilling and well servicing operations. 

Once commissioned, the unit will also be integrated into AWCC’s well control programs, drilling operations training and advanced competency modules. Training will be delivered face-to-face in Toowoomba, supported by remote learning components to ensure accessibility for regional and interstate workers. The system’s modular design also allows for future upgrades as operational technology and industry expectations evolve. 

Industry response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive. Operators and contractors have identified the unit as a vital step forward in improving operational readiness, hazard recognition, and workforce capability at a time when demand for skilled personnel across Queensland and the Northern Territory continues to grow. 

The arrival of the Fluid Transfer Unit demonstrates AWCC’s commitment to innovation, industry leadership and the development of training solutions that reflect real-world operations. It reinforces AWCC’s position as a forward-thinking training organisation dedicated to producing highly skilled, field-ready workers capable of supporting Australia’s energy and resources sector now and into the future. 

With Turbo Cert III and the Fluid Transfer Unit launching in 2026, AWCC is delivering the next generation of oil and gas training — designed by industry, driven by innovation and built for the future. 

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The Australian Well Control Centre (AWCC) was proud to attend the Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) Annual Update Breakfast in Toowoomba, where more than 250 industry leaders, government representatives and regional partners gathered to hear CEO Andrew Chapman outline Queensland’s major projects outlook for the coming decade. 

For AWCC, the event reinforced what we see every day across our training centres in Toowoomba and Brisbane: Queensland is entering an era of unprecedented infrastructure, construction, and resource development — and delivering this growth will depend on a strong, highly skilled, safety-focused workforce. 

Chapman presented data showing Queensland’s major engineering construction pipeline now exceeds $103.9 billion over the next five years, with almost $71 billion of that forecast for delivery between 2025/26 and 2027/28 alone. The scale of this pipeline will require the state’s combined construction and project delivery workforce to grow from around 26,000 workers to nearly 41,000 by 2029/30. 

This need is not isolated to one industry. It spans construction, civil infrastructure, renewables, mining, manufacturing, and the oil and gas sector — particularly across the Surat Basin and Western Downs. Regions like Toowoomba are emerging as strategic hubs for labour supply and capability development, with Brisbane reinforcing the state’s wider workforce network. 

AWCC is uniquely positioned to support this demand. 

While many training providers specialise in a narrow field, AWCC operates across multiple sectors, delivering the skills Queensland’s workforce needs no matter where they are deployed. Our programs cover essential construction competencies such as white card, working at heights, confined space entry, gas test atmospheres and permit to work, alongside advanced safety and compliance training. We also deliver industry-leading oil and gas training, including well control, drilling fundamentals and specialised field-readiness programs. 

Our flagship Turbo Program continues to stand out as one of Queensland’s most effective solutions to workforce shortages. Turbo graduates enter the field with a strong grounding in safety, practical skills and industry expectations — enabling them to transition confidently into drilling, well servicing, construction and civil environments. With new gas exploration areas opening and major projects ramping up, this multi-industry readiness is becoming essential. 

AWCC’s broad capability is matched by our reach. With training centres in both Toowoomba and Brisbane, we service the Darling Downs, Surat Basin, Greater Brisbane, South East Queensland and beyond. When industry requires support in regional or remote locations, AWCC is equipped to mobilise training and deliver capability wherever it’s needed. Our flexibility ensures that major project partners — whether in construction, energy or resources — have access to the training and safety standards required to meet their obligations. 

The QMCA breakfast highlighted the importance of training providers who are truly connected to industry. The room was filled with contractors, engineers, civil and energy leaders, procurement specialists and government stakeholders — all searching for the same answer: Where will the skilled workforce come from? AWCC remains part of this conversation because we understand that training must reflect the realities of the work, the pressures of project timelines, and the non-negotiable commitment to safety that underpins every major development. 

This genuine industry alignment is what sets AWCC apart. 
We are not simply delivering courses — we are contributing to Queensland’s capability. 
We are not observing industry change — we are supporting the people who drive it. 
We are not bound to one region — we are ready to serve the entire state. 

As Queensland enters a golden era of construction, energy and resource development, AWCC will continue to strengthen the state’s workforce, support regional and metropolitan growth, and ensure Queensland has the talent needed to deliver its ambitious pipeline. 

AWCC is proud to help build Queensland’s future — one skilled, confident and competent worker at a time, in every region that needs us. 

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Every year on the 11th of November, the nation falls silent for one minute — a moment of deep reflection and gratitude known as Remembrance Day. It’s not just a date on the calendar or a ceremony marked by poppies and bugles; it’s a time to pause, to remember, and to honour the men and women who served and sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy today.

What Remembrance Day Is About

Remembrance Day marks the end of World War I, when, at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns finally fell silent on the Western Front. It was the moment that ended one of the deadliest conflicts in human history — a war that claimed over 60,000 Australian lives and wounded countless more.

But Remembrance Day has grown to represent much more than that. Today, it stands as a symbol of respect for all Australians who have served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions around the world. From Gallipoli to Kokoda, from Vietnam to Afghanistan, it honours not just those who never came home, but also those who did — forever changed by their experiences.

How We Honour Them

We wear a red poppy, a symbol born from the battlefields of Flanders, where bright flowers grew amid the devastation. We gather at cenotaphs and memorials, in small towns and big cities, united in silence. We hear the haunting sound of the Last Post, reminding us that those who served deserve eternal rest, and that their memory should never fade.

But perhaps the most important way to honour them is through how we live, by being kind, by helping others, by appreciating the peace and opportunity that their courage made possible.

Lest We Forget

Those three words — Lest We Forget — carry weight. They’re a promise. A promise that we will not forget the fallen, nor the lessons of the past. For veterans, for families, for every Australian — Remembrance Day is a moment to reflect on who we are and what we owe to those who came before us.

So this November 11th, when the clock strikes 11, take a minute. Close your eyes. Remember their names, their faces, and their sacrifice. Because remembering isn’t just something we do once a year, it’s something we carry in our hearts, always.

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On the 6th and 7th of November, one of our experienced AWCC trainers travelled to Outback Queensland, focusing on the Roma region, to deliver two comprehensive PMASUP245 Break and Make Flanged Joints Using Hand Tools courses. These sessions form an essential part of our ongoing commitment to supporting industry personnel with the practical skills and safety knowledge required to work effectively in high-pressure environments.

The Make and Break Flange Course is a critical component of safe operations across oil and gas, energy, and industrial settings. Flange joints are engineered to withstand immense pressure, and incorrect handling can lead to significant safety risks. Throughout the training, safety remained our highest priority, with strong emphasis placed on correct procedures, hazard awareness, and the use of appropriate tools and equipment. Students engaged in both theoretical and practical learning, gaining confidence in identifying, assembling, disassembling, and maintaining flange joints to industry standards. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the value of hands-on instruction, real-world demonstrations, and the extensive expertise of our trainer.

In addition to delivering training onsite across regional and remote Queensland, AWCC also conducts Make and Break Flange training at our dedicated training centres in Toowoomba and Brisbane, ensuring accessible options for both local and travelling participants. This training also complements AWCC’s broader development pathway, including programs like our Turbo Cert II Program (RII21120 Certificate II in Oil & Gas Drilling (Onshore) and Well Servicing) designed to fast-track new entrants into the oil and gas industry with essential skills and nationally recognised qualifications. For individuals looking to begin or advance their careers, combining foundational programs like Turbo Cert II with specialised technical training—such as Make and Break Flange—creates a strong, job-ready skillset.

At AWCC, we remain committed to delivering high-quality training across regional and remote areas. We’re proud to play a role in enhancing safety, capability, and workforce readiness across Queensland’s vital energy and resources sector.

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