Central Regional TAFE's Kalgoorlie campus is now training students in new $10 million state-of-the-art heavy plant workshops, as part of the Cook Labor Government's historic investment in modern TAFE facilities.
In a major boost for the Goldfields-Esperance region, Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk today opened Central Regional TAFE's new Heavy Plant and Engineering Trades Workshop.
The facility will expand Central Regional TAFE's capacity to train more skilled workers for local jobs, including in the resources sector.
The $10 million upgrades also include the refurbishment of existing workshops at the Kalgoorlie TAFE campus and $2.4 million worth of industry standard training equipment.
Designed by Zuideveld Marchant Hur Architects, the facilities are now providing much needed training for students in the plant mechanics, heavy auto and auto electrical trade disciplines with a dedicated workshop, classrooms and laboratory spaces.
As part of the project, the Cook Government has delivered computer-based simulators to support training in the areas of electrical engineering and electronics, as well as a range of other equipment to offer a realistic workshop training environment.
Kalgoorlie TAFE campus is a major training delivery location for the Goldfields-Esperance region and delivered publicly funded training to 1,975 students in 2023.
Mining is the top employing industry in Goldfields-Esperance, representing 28 per cent of the region's workforce.
Comments attributed to Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:
"The Goldfields-Esperance region is vital to Western Australia's economic prosperity and like each of the State's regions has its own unique workforce and training needs.
"Qualified tradespeople are in high demand in the region, with almost a third of the workforce employed in mining - and demand is expected to continue over the next few years.
"The Cook Government's $243 million investment in TAFE upgrades across Western Australia ensures TAFE colleges can continue to provide training tailored to the needs of key industries in the region.
"The upgrades support students to train and work close to home in the same environment they will find in the workplace, ensuring they are job ready."
Comments attributed to Goldfields MLA Ali Kent:
"These modern, state-of-the-art facilities will ensure students get the best possible training - so they are ready for the many jobs available in the Goldfields.
"Importantly, it means they can remain close to home while they train, and hopefully, stay in the region once they complete their qualifications.
"I'm very pleased to see students training in these wonderful facilities that will serve our community for many years to come."