A new specialist training facility is the centrepiece of a $10.3 million expansion delivered by the Cook Government at the historical Muresk Institute in Northam.
The $9.5 million specialist Agriculture Machinery Training Centre was officially opened today by Premier Roger Cook, Training Minister Simone McGurk and Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis, marking a new era of training at the facility.
For almost a century, Muresk Institute has been the home of agricultural training in Western Australia. It is located in the Wheatbelt on a working farm, ensuring industry-driven education and training opportunities are available to meet demand for skilled workers.
The Agriculture Machinery Training Centre modernises and expands Muresk Institute's facilities. Apprentices completing a Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology through Central Regional TAFE are to be the first to train in the new workshops, classrooms and information technology laboratories.
Muresk and Central Regional TAFE worked closely with industry in developing the apprenticeship to help meet demand for skilled technicians and mechanics.
Once trained, qualified technicians will service all types of agricultural machinery across WA's broadacre farming industry, with trade skills for mechanical, electrical, hydraulic operations, precision equipment and braking systems.
A new $800,000 industry-standard shearing shed was also recently completed at the Muresk Institute, providing students with high-quality training in wool handling and shearing.
The Cook Government has also delivered two state-of-the-art combine harvester simulators and a range of other agricultural machinery options, offering a realistic farm experience in a training environment.
Regional WA commercial builder ACorp Construction Pty Ltd carried out the majority of construction, while another regional WA company, GBSC Yurra, built the new shearing shed.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government is committed to ensuring training is accessible to all Western Australians, including those in regional areas.
"We're committed to diversifying our economy, building on the Diversify WA strategy and key to that is delivering modern training for modern industries.
"This new specialist training facility is a fantastic example of the State Government working together with industry to help meet demand for skilled workers.
"Students will benefit from world-class learning environments in Muresk's new facilities, which will produce skilled workers for WA's vital agricultural industry and help to maximise efficient and effective farming practices to stay competitive internationally."
As stated by Training Minister Simone McGurk:
"For almost a century,MureskInstitutehas been synonymouswith agricultural training in Western Australia. This investment not only demonstrates the Cook Labor Government's commitment to the agricultural industry but will ensure our training in the sector thrives in the twenty-first century.
"The new facilities have been designed following extensive industry consultation, ensuring students will be job-ready once their training is complete.
"These state-of-the-art facilities and equipment are the culmination of a strong partnership between the agricultural machinery industry, Central Regional TAFE and Muresk Institute to lift the quality of training for agriculture machinery apprentices in WA."
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Primary industries are increasingly adopting innovative technology and the modernised training facility at the Muresk Institute in Northam will help foster our farmers of the future.
"We want to encourage bright, enthusiastic and curious minds into the industry, and this announcement marks a new era of agricultural education in WA.
