Forty years after it was officially opened as the Albany Technical School, the Great Southern Institute in Albany today celebrates new amenities, record enrolments, more staff and a birthday.
Built to cater for growing demand in health and community services training, a new $5.76 million Health Sciences and Community Services teaching block was officially opened today, made possible by the State Government's Royalties for Regions program.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Kim Hames said about one quarter of the students were studying health, children's services or community services, so the new on-site facilities would help deliver qualifications in high-demand areas.
"This addition will improve the delivery of a wide scope of courses in the health sciences, particularly in nursing, aged care, allied health, fitness, first aid and dental assistance,"
Dr Hames said.
The new block will extend the administration and training delivery areas and includes facilities for simulation, laboratories, tutorial rooms, offices and storage space.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the institute could now accommodate the growth in demand for vocational training, particularly in the key industry sectors that contributed to the social and economic fabric of the region.
"This funding has enabled the institute to respond to the community's call for more skills training in the Great Southern," Mr Redman said.
"The Royalties for Regions Skills Training Initiative improves access to trade training and addresses critical skills shortages in regional Western Australia, creating long-term growth in our communities."
Fact File
Over the past five years, the Great Southern Institute of Technology has delivered almost 40,000 Vocational Education and Training course enrolments
Most popular courses are building and construction, primary industry, community services, health and education, and business and clerical
There were more than 8,700 course enrolments in 2013
Training and Workforce Development Minister's office - 6552 5300
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
