Specialist training will be provided in Western Australia in mining and construction following an upgrade of a South Guildford skills centre.
The training will be open to almost 420 students after $10 million was spent extending the existing WesTrac National Skills Training Centre of Excellence – funded by the Australian Government in partnership with WesTrac Pty Ltd.
WesTrac Pty Ltd employs apprentices and supplies heavy equipment and machinery for mining, construction, transport and agriculture.
The Australian Government invested $9 million in the South Guilford project as well as a second WesTrac training centre in NSW, whereas WesTrac contributed $9.7 million.
Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans said the training centre will help boost the number of skilled mining and construction workers entering the industry as well as help existing workers keep their skills up to date.
Mr Evans said Western Australia faces an ever-increasing need for skilled workers due to the ongoing resources boom and an expanding construction sector.
“There are endless opportunities for Western Australians – the WesTrac centre will help them get the skills they need to access the jobs they want,” Mr Evans said.
According to Mr Evans, the centre will deliver industry-specific training to hundreds of students using training tools to help them develop practical construction and mining skills.
“Our $558 million investment in the National Workforce Development Fund allows new employees and existing workers to upskill through Certificate and Diploma-level qualifications,” Mr Evans said.
He said this will make a difference to more than 24600 people.
“This is not only good news for the individual and their employers, but also for the broader economy.”
The centre now has six classrooms, workshop bays, a virtual training room and student services and amenities including a study room, library and career counselling.
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