A tender for the construction of a dedicated industrial conveyor belt trade training facility at the Midland campus of North Metropolitan TAFE has been issued today, with the design development stage now complete.
The $2 million project is fully funded by the McGowan Government, and is included in the Mid-year Review.
It is anticipated construction will be completed in October 2021 with training commencing in Semester 1, 2022.
Armstrong Parkin Architects designed the facility, which will be used to deliver a qualification in the repair, maintenance and installation of the conveyor belts used in industries such as mining and logistics.
The shed-style workshop will house a conveyor area, splicing table area, workshop benches, tool storage, an external undercover area and a 'chalk and talk' area for theory-based learning.
Specialist industry-standard equipment will support the delivery of a Certificate III in Polymer Processing.
The Midland area was identified in the McGowan Government's Review of Skills, Training and Workforce Development, undertaken in response to COVID-19, as being a key area for skills, training and employment investment.
In response to the review, Western Australia's network of Jobs and Skills Centres was expanded to include a new location at North Metropolitan TAFE's Midland campus.
The McGowan Government's $167.4 million Rebuilding our TAFEs plan also includes $2.5 million for the new METRONET Trade Training Centre at Midland. Stage one of the project is now complete.
The METRONET Trade Training Centre will be used to deliver a qualification in electrical rail signalling from Semester 1, 2021, and is critical to ensuring local content of at least 50 per cent on METRONET projects, including railcars.
For more information about local training opportunities contact the Midland Jobs and Skills Centre on 13 64 64 or North Metropolitan TAFE.
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Industrial conveyor belt operations and maintenance require specialised expertise that is critical to industries such as mining and logistics.
"There are more than $100 billion worth of Western Australian resources projects in the pipeline, and it's vital that we support training for an industry that employs so many WA locals and delivers significant benefit to the WA economy."
As stated by Midland MLA Michelle Roberts:
"The Midland campus of North Metropolitan TAFE is becoming an exciting training hub with stage one of the METRONET Trade Training Centre now complete, a brand new Jobs and Skills Centre and the planned training facility for the repair, maintenance and installation of conveyor belts.
"We're delivering the training required to meet industry's needs right here in Midland, thanks to the McGowan Government's commitment to jobs and training."
