- Cook Labor Government delivers more than $2 million for new equipment at South Metropolitan TAFE
- Includes funding for a new science equipment package at Murdoch and Mandurah campuses
- Comes as new data shows enrolments have increased with fee free and low fee courses
- Cook Labor Government investing millions of dollars in TAFE, training and apprenticeships
The Cook Labor Government has allocated more than $2 million through the TAFE Modern Equipment Program for new equipment for South Metropolitan TAFE to train students in priority occupations.
This includes:
- a new science equipment package for Murdoch and Mandurah campuses which includes a high-pressure liquid chromatograph, atomic absorption spectrometers, compound microscopes, pH meters, UV-vis spectrophotometer, analytical balances, and dissecting microscopes to train students in laboratory technology and techniques, environmental science and biotechnology;
- three electric vehicle high-voltage simulators and three controller area network (CAN) system trainers for the Carlisle campus; and
- a physical model city to support hands-on cybersecurity and networking training at the Thornlie campus.
The new equipment will train Western Australians in priority occupations, specifically clean energy and electrical, building and construction, care economy, driver training, automation and manufacturing.
This comes on top of new data that shows an increase in students enrolling in fee free and low fee TAFE courses at South Metropolitan TAFE's Murdoch Campus thanks to the Cook Labor Government's investment in affordable training.
Increase in enrolments since courses made fee free in 2023 include:
- Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies increased by 153 per cent;
- Certificate IV in Youth Work increased by 100 per cent;
- Business Ready Skill Set increased by 52 per cent;
- Certificate IV in Horticulture increased by 31 per cent; and
- Certificate IV in Cyber Security increased by 26 per cent.
The Fee Free training initiative is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments.
As stated by Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Western Australia's economy depends on a skilled local workforce, and we're ensuring our TAFEs have the modern facilities and equipment needed to deliver high-quality training.
"This investment will provide South Metropolitan TAFE students with access to contemporary scientific equipment aligned with current industry practice, supporting the development of skilled graduates ready to meet workforce needs.
"We know cost can be a barrier to training, which is why we've continued to invest in fee free and low fee courses that make it easier for Western Australians to gain in-demand skills.
"The strong enrolment growth at Murdoch Campus shows that people are taking up these opportunities and pursuing training in industries where skilled workers are needed."
As stated by Bicton MLA Lisa O'Malley:
"I know many students throughout the electorate of Bicton are looking to TAFE as their future pathway. That's why it makes me extremely proud to see the Cook Labor Government investing in South Metropolitan TAFE to train students in priority occupations.
"The Fee Free training initiative is assisting many throughout Bicton and beyond to gain key skills for their transition into the in-demand clean energy, building, construction, electrical, manufacturing and decarbonisation sectors, among many others.
"It's fantastic to see students at Murdoch Campus will have access to contemporary scientific equipment that aligns with current industry practice."
