Construction has commenced on the $47.9 million upgrade of North Metropolitan TAFE's Balga campus.
Premier Mark McGowan visited the northern suburbs campus today to turn the first sod of the new state-of-the-art training facility, which will boost local training in building and construction, electrical, and a range of other courses.
The major redevelopment of the campus - which was originally built in the 1970s - includes a new three-storey building to replace 22 rundown transportable classrooms.
The specialist teaching block will be used to deliver training across a range of areas - including building and construction, electrical, English, and adult migrant education - and will improve the student services and staff amenities on offer, with modern student breakout spaces, meeting rooms, conference rooms, and additional parking.
It will have a mix of modern learning spaces, including contemporary and technology-enabled classrooms and computer laboratories, as well as a large future trades training workshop to accommodate 'smart building' and emerging construction technologies.
The ground floor will welcome students and clients with an interactive student learning hub (contemporary library), reception, student services, and other amenities. It will also house the Balga Jobs and Skills Centre, connecting the local community with free, professional advice on training and employment opportunities.
Local company EMCO Building has been appointed to build the new facilities, which will create jobs and significantly increase learning opportunities in Balga and surrounding areas.
Designed by Perth architecture studio Hassell, the expansion is one of 14 major capital works projects taking place at TAFE colleges across the State, as part of the McGowan Government's record $215.8 million investment in upgrading essential infrastructure.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2024.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"North Metropolitan TAFE's Balga campus is ageing and in need of revitalisation, so my Government is investing $47.9 million to significantly upgrade its training facilities.
"It will mean the next generation of skilled workers can learn in modern facilities using the latest high-tech equipment.
"With our record investment in TAFE infrastructure delivering upgrades across the State, and free and significantly reduced fee courses on offer across a range of sectors in 2023, there has truly never been a better time to train at TAFE in WA."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"We continue to invest heavily in training to ensure ongoing growth in WA's skilled workforce, particularly in priority sectors.
"This major upgrade will ensure North Metropolitan TAFE's Balga campus is delivering contemporary and industry-relevant training into the future, in building and construction trades and a range of other areas.
"It will also boost student capacity at what is already a busy campus, delivering more learning opportunities for its local communities."
As stated by Mirrabooka MLA Meredith Hammat:
"This a much-needed upgrade for Balga TAFE, and incredibly exciting for our future skilled workers who will have the opportunity to train right here in Balga in a state-of-the-art facility.
"This McGowan Labor Government project is a huge investment in our community, particularly its young people, and I can't wait to see the new facilities taking shape."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
