- State-of-the-art $8.6 million Collie Transition Training Centre welcomes first students
- Key investment through Cook Labor Government's $700 million Collie Just Transition
- Training facility designed to support emerging industries and future job opportunities in the South-West
- Part of Cook Labor Government's plan to support workforce development and economic diversification
The Cook Labor Government's $8.6 million Collie Transition Training Centre has officially commenced operations, with the first students now undertaking training at the new purpose-built facility.
Part of the Cook Labor Government's more than $700 million commitment to the Collie Just Transition, the Centre has been established to support workers to upskill, reskill and transition into new career opportunities while strengthening the region's long-term economic resilience.
Delivered by South West builder Devlyn Australia Pty Ltd, the new centre complements the existing South Regional TAFE Collie Campus and has the capacity for 550 training places each year in courses tailored to the needs of the region's evolving industries.
The first cohort of students commenced training in the Skidsteer Skill Set this month.
The centre features modern training environments focused on the resources and infrastructure sectors, including facilities for high-risk licence training, machine operation and laboratory-based learning.
The commencement of training marks an important milestone for Collie and the South West, ensuring local workers have access to high-quality training that supports employment opportunities in emerging industries.
It complements the Cook Labor Government's free TAFE initiative, which has saved students in Collie-Preston more than $5 million since it was introduced in 2020, as well as job-creating projects including the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub in Picton.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Collie has played a vital role in powering Western Australia for decades, and under my government, it will continue to as we support efforts to build a State of Energy in WA and deliver major job-creating projects in the South West.
"That's why my government is putting WA first by investing in Collie's Just Transition.
"This new training centre will ensure even more workers in Collie have the skills they need to deliver the job-creating projects needed to diversify our State's economy for the future."
As stated by Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This new new-state-of-the-art facility is another example of the Cook Labor Government putting WA first, creating more opportunities for local students and apprentices closer to home.
"We've invested more than $700 million in the Collie Just Transition and I want the community to know we are there to support them as we transition away from coal.
"This facility will help build a highly skilled workforce ready to support major projects and industries across the region for decades to come."
As stated by State Development Minister David Michael:
"This new training centre highlights the Cook Labor Government's ongoing commitment to Collie and its residents as it transitions away from coal.
"It's another example of how our $700 million Collie Just Transition program is reskilling workers and supporting the town's long-term economic resilience.
"I look forward to seeing the first school of graduates complete their courses at the centre and expect many more graduates to upskill and reskill for new work opportunities after that."
As stated by South West Minister Don Punch:
"The Collie Transition Training Centre reflects our long-term commitment to Collie, providing local workers with the skills they need for rewarding careers while strengthening the South West economy.
"This new Centre is creating opportunities for local workers and delivering industry-focused training that supports jobs, growth and the future of the region.
"By helping workers upskill and reskill for emerging industries, the Collie Transition Training Centre is supporting the Just Transition and building a stronger future for South West communities."
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"It's fantastic to see the first students training in this impressive new facility.
"The Collie Transition Training Centre is an important investment in our community, creating new opportunities for local workers and helping ensure Collie remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.
"Combined with our free TAFE initiatives that have saved students in Collie and surrounds more than $5 million since 2020, this will create more education and training opportunities close to home."
