FDC Construction and Fitout has been awarded the $23.5 million contract to build the CQUniversity School of Mining at the North Rockhampton campus.

Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said work would begin on site in January and the centre was expected to be operational by February 2022.

"Construction of the new CQUniversity School of Mining and Manufacturing will create an estimated 311 local jobs, including 197 in Rockhampton, and inject millions of dollars into the Capricornia economy," she said.

"Thousands of Capricornia residents work in the resources sector or in jobs that support the sector so we know how important mining jobs are to the region. The new school will support Queenslanders to get an education that leads to a career in the mining industry."

Queensland education minister Dan Tehan said the government had awarded a further $13.5 million to construct a CQU School of Manufacturing campus in Gladstone.

"The government will provide $30 million towards construction costs with CQUniversity providing $7 million as part of the CQUniversity School of Mining and Manufacturing project," Tehan said.

"This project will deliver world-class facilities and technology in the Rockhampton and Gladstone regions, support the education of the workforces of tomorrow, and drive future economic growth as we recover from COVID-19.

"The new buildings will incorporate emerging technologies such as virtual reality, drone operations and 3D printing, to teach skills in critical disciplines like metal fabrication, gas processing and machine fitting."

CQUniversity vice-chancellor and president professor Nick Klomp said the School of Mining and Manufacturing would support future skills needed in those sectors.

"Mining and manufacturing will be critical to regional Queensland's recovery in the years to come," he said.

"Mining remains a critical industry for Central Queensland, while advanced manufacturing is a clear growth opportunity for the region's future.

"These facilities will also provide the setting for engaged industry research that will advance mining and manufacturing in the Central Queensland region."