The Minns Labor Government is investing $2.5 million to upgrade training facilities at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park, helping prepare the skilled workforce needed to support the state's growing freight and transport industries.
The investment comes as road freight demand is projected to grow by almost 80 per cent by 2050, increasing demand for the specialist workers who build, maintain and repair the trucks, trailers, and buses that keep goods moving across the state.
The upgrades will deliver a new covered outdoor learning area to support hands-on training for vehicle manufacturing apprentices, as well as upgrades to the campus' engineering grinding room.
The outdoor learning area will provide dedicated space for practical training involving heavy vehicle dismantling and assembly, while engineering upgrades will include new industry-compliant extraction systems and safety improvements.
The investment supports a specialist workforce at a time when almost half of Australia's vehicle body builders are aged 45 years and over, highlighting the importance of training the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
Apprentices will also be supported to upskill in emerging transport technologies through a collaboration between TAFE NSW and clean energy company Pure One, which has offered a hydrogen-powered electric prime mover truck valued at $780,000 for educational purposes.
The truck will give students exposure to next-generation heavy vehicle technology and demonstrate how hydrogen can be used as a zero-emissions energy source alongside battery electric and conventional vehicle systems.
Construction of the outdoor learning area is expected to commence mid 2026 with engineering upgrades scheduled for completion in 2027.
The investment builds on the Minns Labor Government's $54 million investment in the TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence - Western Sydney at Wetherill Park, strengthening the campus' role in delivering the skilled workforce needed by manufacturing, engineering and transport industries.
Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:
"The Minns Labor Government is investing in modern TAFE facilities across Western Sydney including at Wetherill Park to ensure local students can access the training opportunities they need for long-term success.
"This investment in training is being backed by our generational investment in projects like Western Sydney Airport, securing highly skilled jobs for locals so they can work close to home."
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"This investment is another example of the Minns Labor Government rebuilding TAFE NSW and delivering the skills that work for Western Sydney.
"The NSW freight industry underpins our economy. We need a pipeline of skilled workers who can build, maintain and service the trucks, trailers and heavy vehicles that keep our state moving.
"These upgrades will strengthen specialist training at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park while giving students exposure to emerging technologies that are helping shape the future of transport."
Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said:
"TAFE NSW Wetherill Park has a proud history of training skilled tradespeople and this investment will ensure local students continue to have access to high-quality facilities close to home.
"From heavy vehicle manufacturing to emerging clean transport technologies, these upgrades will help equip students with the practical skills industry needs now and into the future."
