Western Australia's commitment to skilling workers for Australia's new high-tech naval fleet has been formally recognised with the Naval Shipbuilding College endorsing South Metropolitan TAFE's Certificate III Engineering Fabrication Trade course.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery and Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia welcomed the recognition saying the Government would continue to work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure a multi-skilled workforce was available to support the defence sector in WA well into the future.
The endorsed training program at the Naval Base Campus, Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade, was established to increase the availability of a trained and skilled shipbuilding workforce both State-wide and nationally.
Developed in collaboration with industry, the program places Western Australia at the forefront of defence industry training.
South Metropolitan TAFE has been working in partnership with the defence sector for more than two decades, delivering a range of qualifications and courses throughout WA and nationally. The Western Australian office of the Naval Shipbuilding College is co-located within the Naval Base Campus, enhancing the partnership with the Australian Government.
The McGowan Government is committed to diversifying the economy and strengthening its defence capabilities. Initiatives include establishing Defence West, creating the Defence Advisory Forum, appointing WA's first Defence Advocate and launching the Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan.
Construction of 10 offshore patrol vessels will start at Henderson in 2020, with welding and fabrication trades identified as priority roles for the naval shipbuilding and sustainment contractors.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"This endorsement recognises South Metropolitan TAFE as a leader in defence industry training and places Western Australia at the forefront of providing a skilled and highly capable workforce to the naval shipbuilding industry now and into the future.
"The McGowan Government is committed to attracting defence industry opportunities to Western Australia and building a trained and skilled shipbuilding workforce to meet the demand of current and future jobs in the defence sector."
As stated by Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia:
"Western Australians who work in the defence industry apply their skills to some of the most exciting and complex projects in the world.
"The courses taught at the South Metropolitan TAFE Naval Base Campus are the gateway to that exciting career.
"The McGowan Government is committed to establishing Western Australia as the primary hub for the maintenance and sustainment of submarines and frigates. This would create thousands of jobs for Western Australians for decades to come."
