$8M Industrial skills development centre to be established in Bunbury

25/3/97

A new $8 million industrial skills development centre will be established at the South West Regional College of TAFE in Bunbury.

Employment and Training Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the need for new facilities had been acknowledged by both TAFE and the local industry.

"The growth in engineering and metal construction activity in the South-West area has been unprecedented and had to be addressed through off-the-job training facilities," Mrs Edwardes said.

"As one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, there will be sustained growth in the South-West area, which will need to be supported by a highly skilled and trained workforce.

"The new facilities should address this issue, through the provision of quality facilities to train our young workforce.

"The $8 million centre will be at the leading edge in its technology and facilities will be shared to provide flexible integrated training in science, engineering and trades.

"Courses to be offered include engineering, surveying and electronics."

Funding for the new centre came from the Australian National Training Authority.

Works Minister Mike Board said the Department of Contract and Management Services (CAMS) had commissioned architect Peter Hunt to design the new facilities and redesign the refurbishment of existing rooms and student study areas.

"The architect is now designing the facility in consultation with TAFE staff and schematic designs are expected by the middle of this year," Mr Board said.

"Once the final plans have been completed, CAMS will call for tenders for construction."

Funding of $3 million had been allocated for construction in the 1997/98 financial year with a further $4.7 million in 1998/99.

The new facility would progressively come on stream in the next three years.

As Minister for Youth, Mr Board said it was vitally important to create long-term job opportunities for young people.

"Our future lies with our young people and it is important that we provide them with the necessary training and education to see them gain full-time employment," he said.

"One of the priority issues I have identified as Minister for Youth is employment and it is a key area to be addressed by a new advisory council which I have established.

"The Youth Minister's Advisory Council will consult with young people in Western Australia and those who work with and care for youth.

"It will provide an important forum for young people to be heard on a multitude of issues and will assist the State Government to identify and address the key issues affecting youth in Western Australia."

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote (09) 421 7777 or Peter Harris (09) 222 9211