Work under way on Pilbara health training centre

• New industry standard training facility at Pilbara Institute to create more training opportunities and address workforce development needs of the region

• $13.7 million investment through Royalties for Regions  

Training opportunities have increased in the Pilbara after construction of a new $15.7 million training facility at Pilbara Institute's Pundulmurra campus started this week.

The new Health and Allied Services Training Centre will replace the outdated facilities currently being used at the South Hedland campus and will result in training of nursing, aged care, child care, community services and allied health to be expanded and amalgamated.

The project was made possible with a $13.7 million investment from the State Government's Royalties for Regions program and a $2 million investment from the Department of Training and Workforce Development.

Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey said the facility would provide quality training to address the shortage of trained health care and community service workers in the Pilbara and Western Australia.

"This new industry standard training facility will allow Pilbara Institute to double its capacity to train students, catering for the training needs of the local community and the diverse workforce development needs of the region," Mrs Harvey said.

"Digital technology would also be utilised to deliver training opportunities across the Pilbara such as skill demonstrations, lectures and simulated learning activities."

The facility would include various multi-purpose training rooms, computer stations, staff and student facilities, as well as simulated clinical environments, such as a hospital ward fitted with industry standard medical equipment, an examination room, a patient bathroom and a nurse's station.

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said a local skilled workforce was integral to regional WA's economic growth and stability.

"The Pundulmurra campus will provide better access to specialist health and nursing training that will contribute towards strengthening our regional economy," Mr Redman said.

"I am pleased to see Royalties for Regions supporting initiatives such as this, which contribute to the growth of sustainable local communities in regional Western Australia."

Fact File

• Royalties for Regions has invested more than $110 million through the Skills Training Initiative to improve access to trade training in regional Western Australia

• The successful tenderer is Pindan Contracting Pty Ltd

• The new centre is expected to be completed by semester one, 2017 

Training and Workforce Development Minister's office - 6552 5900

Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700