Budget funding - Pilbara training facilities

14/4/97 Training facilities in the Pilbara region will receive a $230,000 boost in this year's State budget.

14/4/97

Training facilities in the Pilbara region will receive a $230,000 boost in this year's State budget.

Employment and Training Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the funds, part of the more than $320 million employment and training budget, were earmarked to improve airconditioning at Hedland College.

Mrs Edwardes said the upgrade to the airconditioning would improve the study and teaching conditions for students and staff at the college.

"The Budget reflects the on-going commitment of the Government to ensuring a secure future for Western Australians through training, skills and jobs," Mrs Edwardes said.

She said targeting the vocational education and training needs of people in regional WA and enhancing their employment opportunities was a priority for the State Government.

The landmark budget is the first to be brought down since the new Vocational, Education and Training Act was implemented on January 1, 1997, marking a new phase in the delivery of training throughout the State.

"The Budget supports the on-going provision of training to ensure a sound skills base in Western Australia, as well as supporting training directed at addressing special skills areas, particularly those relating to major resource development projects," Mrs Edwardes said.

Across the State, metropolitan and regional training has been boosted by more than $28 million for major capital works.

Mrs Edwardes said that $1 million in funding was also being injected into Landcare traineeships, a major initiative designed to provide new opportunities for young people in regional areas across the State.

"These traineeships will not only provide skills to young people, but will also help to increase proper landcare management practices, designed to ensure a sustainable rural industry base for the future," she said.

Rural-based Regional Employment Development Officers, Job Link projects and Aboriginal Economic Development projects would continue to receive budget funding.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney (09) 222 9595