Landmark TAFE-RAN training scheme

25/8/93

TAFE in Western Australia has joined the Royal Australian Navy in a landmark $4.7 million training deal, which could be the start of a long-term relationship.

Under the three-year contract, about 600 RAN electrical and mechanical technicians from across Australia will be trained at the South Metropolitan College of TAFE, Rockingham.

Education, Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore said today the WA agreement was part of a $12 million dollar national deal - the biggest external training project ever negotiated by the navy.

Mr Moore and Naval Training Commander Commodore Peter Briggs today signed the TAFE-RAN contract and officially opened classroom facilities and other accommodation, to be used at the Rockingham TAFE campus.

The Minister said the RAN traditionally trained its ratings internally but the TAFE involvement, under the auspices of the College of Customised Training, would provide naval ratings with qualifications recognised across Australia, by both defence and civilian employers.

The TAFE training would align RAN personnel to the National Metals Curriculum.

"This is a significant milestone for education and training in this State and the multiplier effect will mean the revenue generated for the WA economy will be far greater than the contract value," Mr Moore said.

"The contract marks the beginning of an enormous opportunity for WA and for TAFE in particular, to help the navy move into the 21st century."

The Minister said the navy predicted that half the Australian fleet would be located on the west coast by the year 2000, which meant there were further opportunities for TAFE-RAN co-operation.

"There are plans to start advanced technical training for senior technical navy personnel early next year, which is another window of opportunity," he said.

"I am sure this current contract is just the start of a very happy and productive partnership between the RAN and the entire TAFE system."

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