Practical projects
Participants work through real projects with clear steps, visible progress and finished outcomes they can be proud of.
- Timber projects and basic furniture
- Repairs, maintenance and tool use
- Gift making and creative building
Townsville's Practical Hub
Build Skills To Success.
The Trade Centre NQ supports people to build confidence, independence and real-world ability through practical projects, skilled coaching, safe workshop support and hands-on learning.
LIFE SKILLS • EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS • MOTORS • CARPENTRY • LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRONICS • WELDING • ART • COMMUNITY • NDIS-FUNDED SUPPORTS • LIFE SKILLS • EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS • MOTORS • CARPENTRY • LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRONICS • WELDING • ART • COMMUNITY • NDIS-FUNDED SUPPORTS •
Learning and life skills
Learn by doing.
Whether someone is creating a gift for a friend, servicing their own vehicle, repairing something at home or building the next piece of furniture, we turn practical tasks into confidence, independence and personal growth.
Everyday independence
We support planning, measuring, sequencing, problem solving, cleaning up, safe workshop routines and asking for help when needed.
Confidence and connection
People learn alongside like-minded participants in a social environment that values effort, progress and belonging.
Skilled coaching
Our programs use skilled coaches, practical mentors and disability-informed support to create safe, useful and meaningful learning experiences.
Finished outcomes
Real tools
Creative confidence
Supported learning
Practical pathwaysReal tools. Real danger. Real growth.
Start NDIS ReferralEvery participant starts with an entry discussion so we can match the right support ratio, environment and program pathway.
Employment pathways
Employment starts before the job.
The Trade Centre NQ supports participants through NDIS Employment Assistance, including supports commonly known as SLES or Youth Employment Assistance. We treat these as one clear pathway: helping young people and participants build the skills, confidence and routines needed to move toward work.
As SLES transitions into the broader NDIS approach of Finding and Keeping a Job, our focus remains practical and hands-on. We deliver 1:1 employment pathway sessions for participants interested in trades, workshop environments, motors, carpentry, making, repair and practical industries.
1:1 Employment Assistance
Individual sessions focused on work readiness, confidence, routine, communication, safety awareness and hands-on industry exposure.
Trade Industry Pathways
Support for students and participants interested in carpentry, motors, workshop settings, repair, making and practical hands-on work.
Formerly SLES / Youth Employment Assistance
SLES is widely recognised as a bridge between school and work. We support this transition through practical skills, workplace behaviours and structured goal-based sessions.
Finding and Keeping a Job
Employment supports are increasingly delivered under this broader Capacity Building category, focusing on real work skills, not just paperwork.
Real Environment Learning
Participants learn in active workshop spaces where they can practise following instructions, managing tools safely, completing tasks and building confidence.
Program areas
Motors. Making. Art. Repair.
Our programs are designed for people who learn best through movement, action, repetition and practical outcomes.
Creative / Art Space
Creative builds, art room projects, design thinking and practical hands-on expression.
Tech / Electronics
Low voltage electronics, simple circuits, problem solving, careful handling and technical curiosity.
Motors / Vehicle
Vehicle awareness, small engines, servicing concepts, safe tool use and confidence around mechanical systems.
Wood / Carpentry
Measuring, cutting, assembling, sanding, finishing, furniture making and home project confidence.
Two sites
Two spaces. More choice.
We deliver from our main Aitkenvale site and from Riverway Shedspace
Main site
42 Charles St, Aitkenvale
Delivery support: Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.
Our main site supports Monday Madness Motors, low voltage electronics, motors, carpentry, welding-style activities and practical life skill programs + loads more.....
Riverway Shedspace
next to Headspace Townsville
Wednesdays and Fridays.
A fully air-conditioned workshop for people who do not enjoy the heat. Shedspace primarily supports art, carpentry and creative practical programs with access to an art room and workshop space.
Beyond standard programs
Family nights. Corporate builds. School partnerships.
We create hands-on experiences for workplaces, schools, families and community groups. Build something together, learn something useful and walk away with more than a conversation.
Pricing & Transparency
Clear. Safe. Fair.
We align our NDIS-funded supports with the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. Final pricing and support ratios are confirmed after entry assessment, risk review and participant goals are discussed.
NDIS Pricing
NDIS supports may be delivered under relevant community participation and skill development support categories, depending on participant goals and plan suitability.
- Plan Managed, Self Managed and Agency Managed enquiries welcome
- Pricing reviewed against current NDIS price limits
- Service agreements provided before commencement
1:1 or 1:2 Ratios
Support ratio is based on entry assessment, participant goals, behaviour support needs, safety awareness and the risk level of the activity.
- 1:1 for higher risk or higher support needs
- 1:2 for suitable shared learning environments
- Real tools, real environments, real danger
Private, Schools & Government
We can quote for schools, individuals, community organisations, family nights, corporate groups and other government-funded programs.
- School group workshops
- Corporate and team building nights
- Community and alternative learning programs
Our pricing reflects more than time. It reflects safety, supervision, risk management, equipment use, skilled delivery, planning, setup and the responsibility of supporting people in practical environments. Participants are actively engaging in real workshop spaces, not sitting in a passive classroom.
General enquiries
Contact us.
Head office: (07) 4778 3778
Email: admin@thetradecentrenq.com.au
Address: 42 Charles St, Aitkenvale QLD 4814
Use this form for general questions, partnerships, school programs, corporate nights, family activities, site enquiries or community collaborations.
NDIS referral
Participant referral.
This form is for NDIS-related enquiries, participant referrals, support coordinators, plan managers, families and carers.
We will use the information to begin the intake conversation and determine whether The Trade Centre NQ is the right fit for the participant’s goals, safety needs and support ratio.