The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has today confirmed that their Tech Connect Queensland program will be doubling its annual intake starting from next year, and will also extend its support to more regional venues from 2026-2028. The comes following an expansion of funding provided from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, The Ian Potter Foundation and Griffith University.
Established in 2022 through a partnership between QPAC, Stage Queensland and Arts Centre Melbourne, the program was created to address shortages in technical theatre roles and to build a sustainable training and employment pipeline. Following post COVID workforce exits and the Federal Government’s 2023 Skills Priority List identifying Lighting and Sound Technicians as critically short, Tech Connect Queensland has focused on accredited training delivered in working theatres.
The one year traineeship adopts a Vocational Education and Training model. Participants complete a Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services while embedded in venue operations. Technical supervisors receive practical training and assessment toward a Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services, with a cohort also undertaking a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment.
Since launching, 38 trainees have learned and worked across 15 venues with 100 percent employment retention one year after graduation. Twenty six technical supervisors have received qualifications, and two regional partners, Empire Theatre and Redland Performing Arts Centre, now have qualified trainers and assessors.
With increased combined funding, the 2026 to 2028 phase will offer places each year to 16 trainees, eight supervisors and two trainers and assessors, doubling the previous intake. Additional financial support will be provided to regional participants to help broaden access.
In a statement, QPAC’s chief executive Rachel Healy highlighted the program’s role in workforce development:
Thanks to the generous support of the Queensland Government and our philanthropic partners, I’m excited that over the next three years Tech Connect Queensland will enable us to build the next generation’s technical theatre workforce, while also supporting our regional venues.
Live performance simply cannot happen without backstage staff and their high degree of specialisation and technical skills. Queensland has the best technical crews in the country, and it’s vital that we share their hard-won expertise by investing in skill sharing and skill transfer.
Through the Tech Connect program, we do this while simultaneously creating sustainable pathways for young people in the industry, offering not only practical technical training but also mentorships and mental health support.
