The McGowan Government continues to set Collie up for a strong future, with a $1 million investment towards the expansion of the WesTrac Technology Training Centre (WTTC), to create new training and job opportunities.
The support - delivered through the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund - will assist with the next stages of growth for the cutting-edge Collie facility.
The expansion will deliver two additional buildings, which includes theory and virtual reality training rooms, along with reception, administration, and a multipurpose room. New plant and machinery will be purchased, and communications infrastructure will be enhanced.
New courses relevant to the resources and civil construction sectors will become available, including additional technology training solutions for both maintenance and operator pathways.
The expanded training centre will provide new courses and apprenticeship pathways for local students and transitioning workers, supporting the McGowan Government's $662 million investment in Collie's transition.
WesTrac, South Regional TAFE and Collie Senior High School will continue to deliver a Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations. With the expansion, additional qualifications will be introduced, with the goal being the delivery of Certificate III courses.
Through a partnership arrangement with WesTrac, the not-for-profit Motivation Foundation has been able to deliver a local pilot program supporting young people to earn qualifications and secure full-time employment.
The Motivation Foundation aims to educate and develop both life and employability skills for school students enrolled in Year 11, 12 or equivalent from diverse backgrounds.
The expansion of the WTTC will provide enhanced facilities to enable this partnership to continue into the future.
The WTTC opened in August 2020 with support from the McGowan Government - and is only the second of its type in the world - focusing on the technical skills needed to operate autonomous equipment, with a focus on Caterpillar mine haulage vehicles.
The Centre has experienced significant industry demand for its current course offerings, having provided training to more than 350 people since its opening.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We're continuing to build on Collie's historical strengths as an industrial hub - transitioning the local economy to support new jobs and opportunities, and setting up the town for the long term.
The WesTrac Technology Training Centre is part of Collie's future - putting the town on the map as a national centre of excellence for autonomous equipment training, with ongoing benefits to WA industry and the community."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"We're attracting a growing list of trailblazing companies and private investment to Collie. It is exciting to see their projects continue to evolve, creating economic opportunities that flow into industry, business and the wider community.
"The expansion of the WesTrac Technology Training Centre will assist in meeting the State's industry needs into the future, while supporting the local workforce to expand its skills."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"We know that investing in skills and training - in partnership with industry - is one of the best ways we can set Collie up for the future.
"Today's announcement builds on the $1.1 million we have already invested in South Regional TAFE through the Modern TAFE Equipment Program, including $677,000 in the Collie campus."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"Collie has a proud history of coal mining and power generation, and an exciting future with new industries emerging.
"I am delighted this expansion will provide more training and skills development opportunities for young local residents - and for transitioning workers seeking new careers - right here in our backyard."
