Signing of memos of understanding with Alberta {Canada} on oil/gas training

16/7/96

The signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between the Western Australian Government and the Government of Alberta in Canada this month will open the way for Australia's first international collaboration on training for the oil and gas industry.

Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore, who leaves for the USA and Canada tomorrow, said that Alberta had one of the world's leading oil and gas training centres.

"Alberta's Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS) has been in operation for 30 years and is keen to work with WA to help us develop our own training capabilities," Mr Moore said.

"At the invitation of Alberta's Minister for Energy, I will be discussing issues related to the development of the oil and gas industry in Alberta and the training and skills required in the region, as well as viewing training facilities."

Mr Moore will sign the Memoranda of Understanding with the Alberta Government on July 24.

"The memoranda signal the beginning of collaboration between Canada and WA on vocational education and training, and research in the oil and gas industry," he said.

"The first signing is between the two Governments in relation to ongoing co-operation and the second is on behalf of the WA Department of Training's TAFE International for joint collaboration between WA's Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Centre (AMTC) and Canada's Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS).

"This is a partnering arrangement to provide vocational education and training courses to the oil and gas industry in Australia and South East Asia.

"The two centres will collaborate on curricula, course-ware and training delivery.

"These arrangements will provide an exchange of mutual advantage. We will benefit from the Canadian experience and their international credibility, and the agreements will enable the Canadians to establish a presence in Australia and South East Asia."

Mr Moore will also visit the South Alberta Institute of Technology's (SAIT) specialised petroleum training centre, with a view to future collaboration on training delivery between the Institute and WA's Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Centre.

SAIT is internationally recognised for its diploma programs in petroleum engineering.

The Minister will also meet with senior executives of the Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education to discuss their entry level and apprentice training programs relating to the oil and gas sector.

"The skills' programs of Australia's growth industries have been identified as a priority in the Federal Government's training agenda, and the oil and gas industry definitely falls into this category," he said.

During the two-week trip, Mr Moore will attend the Olympic Games for four days and inspect sporting facilities in Atlanta.

"I will be looking specifically at the use and design of the multi-purpose facilities, which is important in view of our 2006 Commonwealth Games Bid and any future decisions the Government may make about sporting venues for the State," he said.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444