- Investment expands North Metropolitan TAFE's Capstone testing capacity to deliver more licensed electricians
- $300,000 investment follows $51.1 million to create Construction Skills Innovation Hub at Balga campus
- Electrical trades qualifications among 250 fee-free and low-fee TAFE courses
- New $1.5 million Applied Research Grant Program for training providers to drive clean energy training innovation
The Cook Labor Government is getting hundreds of sparkies on the job sooner, with $300,000 invested at North Metropolitan TAFE's Balga campus to expand vital testing facilities to deliver more licensed electricians.
The latest investment has doubled the capacity of the campus' Capstone testing facility, easing a qualification pinch point and ensuring there are more licensed electricians helping to build more houses and deliver Western Australia's clean energy transition.
All electrical apprentices must pass their Capstone to obtain an electrician's licence to work in WA. Skilled overseas migrants must also complete the Capstone to apply for a WA electrician's licence, as part of the skills assessment process.
About 350 students completed Capstone testing in 2024. With the new facilities, Balga can assess up to 350 students each semester - enabling up to 700 apprentices and skilled migrants to be tested annually.
Capstone testing involves rigorous, hands-on assessments where students design, install, and verify the compliance and functionality of general electrical installations. This includes working with main lighting switchboards, socket outlets, distribution boards, and complex wiring systems.
Electrical trades qualifications are among the more than 250 fee-free and low-fee courses available at TAFE and promoted through the Cook Government's You Can Make It Here advertising campaign.
The campaign celebrates TAFE and the vital role of fee-free and low-fee courses in delivering a skilled workforce and achieving the government's priorities of jobs, health, and housing.
The latest investment follows funding of $51.1 million to develop a Construction Skills Innovation Hub at Balga campus.
The Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and Certificate III in Engineering - Industrial Electrician are among the fee-free and low-fee TAFE courses.
The Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Electrotechnology Pre-apprenticeship) is one of seven new building and construction pre-apprenticeship courses added to the fee-free list for 2025.
To further drive clean energy training innovation, the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (CESNCE) has launched its Applied Research Grant Program, offering up to $350,000 per project to support scalable clean energy training delivery.
As Australia's first national centre dedicated to clean energy skills, CESNCE is partnering with WA TAFEs, universities, and industry to co-design training solutions, scale-up delivery, and support trainers in preparing the next generation of electricians.
Applications are open to WA TAFEs in partnership with industry, Aboriginal organisations, Australian universities, and Registered Training Organisations to submit projects that address remote and distributed learning, First Nations - Learning on Country, and artificial intelligence-supported delivery and assessment.
More details are available at www.cleanenergyskills.wa.gov.au/grants .
TAFE will accept Semester 1 2026 applications until 6 February 2026, with the deadline for competitive courses extended to 14 November 2025, so those interested have more time to apply.
To learn more about courses available at TAFE, visit tafe.wa.edu.au or contact a local TAFE or Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64.
As stated by Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"We know how crucial electricians are to the building and construction sector, enabling us to build more homes for Western Australians, but also to deliver our clean energy transition.
"Upgrading the Electrical Trades Facility at North Metropolitan TAFE's Balga campus is one of the many practical ways we are working to boost the supply of electricians for the State's workforce.
"Expanded Capstone testing ensures more electricians can make it here.
"We're acting today to build the workforce of tomorrow, and TAFEs, along with the Cook Government's support for more than 250 fee-free and low-fee courses are crucial for achieving our Made in WA plan and our energy transition."
Comments attributed to Mirrabooka MLA Meredith Hammat:
"The Cook Labor Government has made a major investment in North Metropolitan TAFE's Balga campus to establish its Construction Skills Innovation Hub and expand its Capstone testing facility.
"The campus is now a first-class training centre, helping to deliver a pipeline of workers for the building and construction sector.
"Their graduates will work throughout the State, but I will always be proud to say that they received their training and developed their skills in my local area."
