To generate jobs and ensure a pipeline of skilled workers in Western Australia, the McGowan Government has co-funded four more capital works projects to complement its record $167.4 million investment to improve TAFE college infrastructure.
The spend recognises the important role TAFE plays in skilling, reskilling and upskilling Western Australian workers to support the State's economic recovery and to make sure jobs can be filled by local workers.
The Federal Government allocated $4 million to expanded trades, NDIS and technology enabled training at WA's TAFE colleges and the State Government has matched the contribution.
The aim of the initiative is to upgrade vocational education infrastructure to meet industry expectations, improve training delivery to meet industry needs and address skills shortages.
It will also create local jobs during construction.
The four projects include:
- $2.5 million for projects associated with North Metropolitan TAFE's METRONET Trade Training Centre at Midland campus;
- $1.8 million for a new NDIS Simulated Training Space at North Metropolitan TAFE's Mount Lawley campus;
- $1 million for an agricultural machinery trade workshop at Central Regional TAFE's Moora campus; and
- $2.7 million for new technologies across all Western Australian TAFE colleges.
The projects address immediate industry training needs and will be rapidly implemented to further stimulate the building and construction industry to help maintain the jobs of Western Australians.
The refurbished facilities will cater to the increased demand for training thanks to the expansion of the Lower fees, local skills initiative which slashed fees to 73 priority courses. The courses with reduced fees are also targeted at job opportunities that relate to capital works initiatives such as the Rebuilding our TAFEs plan.
As stated by Federal Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Minister Michaelia Cash:
"Vocational Education and Training will play a critical part in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, not just here in Western Australia but right across the nation.
"This agreement will further support our recovery, by creating a pipeline of jobs through investment in infrastructure projects and support of vital industries."
As stated by WA Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"As a Government, we are doing everything we can to make TAFE more accessible to Western Australians so they can get the skills they need to enter or re-enter the workforce and fill the local jobs that are being created.
"TAFE is essential to skilling, reskilling and upskilling Western Australians and this funding recognises the important role it plays in delivering the skills the training industry needs and our State's economic recovery."
