South Metropolitan TAFE's capacity to service Western Australia's growing demand for skilled heavy automotive workers has received a boost with the arrival of a 'Jumbo' development drill donated by underground mining service employer Barminco.
The refurbished drill, which is used for underground operations and worth about $1.8 million new, has lived out its full mine life, but will continue to serve the industry training plant mechanic apprentices, trainees and students at South Metropolitan TAFE's Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Training Centre.
Located at the college's Thornlie campus, the Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Training Centre is home to current industry equipment that mirrors real-life working environments, to equip students with job-ready skills desired by employers.
The donation of the development drill, which is known as a 'Jumbo', complements the McGowan Government's $25 million investment in modern equipment for WA TAFE colleges, as part of a four-year program to upgrade TAFE equipment to align with contemporary industry standards.
The donation is an example of how South Metropolitan TAFE collaborates with industry partners to ensure its training results in graduates being highly employable with skills matched to industry needs.
Barminco is a Perenti Group company. Perenti has more than 400 apprentices and trainees across its Barminco, Ausdrill and BTP companies, making it one of WA's largest private sector employers of apprentices and trainees.
Barminco is one of South Metropolitan TAFE's largest employers of apprentices across a range of training areas. Its 89 active apprentices include 56 heavy automotive apprentices training in the TAFE's Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology and Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Plant Mechanic) qualifications.
These and a range of other automotive, engineering and mining qualifications are among 210 courses with their fees significantly reduced under the State Government's Lower fees, local skills initiative. More information is available on the Jobs and Skills WA website http://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready or by contacting your local Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64.
The donated Jumbo will be a valuable tool for students to practice a range of skills, including understanding hydraulic systems and servicing techniques.
In its lifetime, the donated Jumbo has drilled more than 1372 kilometres - the equivalent distance of Perth to Newman via Geraldton and Mt Magnet - while supporting development at four Barminco mining operations across WA.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"I thank Barminco for investing in training and the State's future mining and heavy automotive workforce with the donation of this development drill.
"The McGowan Government's investment in training and strong links with industry are helping to ensure students leave TAFE work-ready and equipped with skills that are desirable to employers.
"Skilled heavy automotive and mobile plant professionals are in high demand and reduced-fee training options are available.
"Providing work-ready students with experience operating contemporary machinery used on-site by industry is key to addressing skills needs."
