TAFE College launches specialist training centre

2/11/00
Training for the maritime industry has received a major boost with the opening of the Western Australian Maritime Training Centre in Fremantle.
Employment and Training Minister Mike Board launched the new centre at the Ausmarine 2000 International Conference Exhibition at Fremantle Passenger Terminal.
Mr Board said the new centre - formerly known as the Fremantle Maritime Centre - was one of seven specialist-training centres to be launched at Challenger TAFE over the next 12-18 months.
"The WA Maritime Training Centre - Fremantle, as the first of the new centres of specialisation at Challenger TAFE, has been recognised for its excellence, not only in training, but in applied research and development," the Minister said.
"The centre has also been acknowledged for its efforts in preparing graduates ready for employment, in developing the local community and in building overseas training markets."
The Challenger TAFE centres of specialisation were designed to enhance the quality and scope of training for the college's industry and community clients.
Mr Board said the centre, part of Challenger TAFE, had been renamed after an extensive strategic review of its operations and marketing program.
"The centre is very well respected in the maritime industry locally, nationally and internationally for providing outstanding training," he said.
"Under its new title, and with a comprehensive new marketing plan, the centre will strive to further develop its reputation for excellence in training in aquaculture, fishing, marine studies, marine engineering and marine operations (navigation), and offshore oil and gas.
"The centre's proximity to the waterfront, shipbuilding and repair facilities, cargo operations and WA shipping companies has contributed to its reputation as one of the most innovative and industry-relevant maritime training facilities in Australia."
Some 1,600 students are trained at the centre each year, which contains state-of-the-art equipment such as ship's bridge simulators and a fleet of six vessels including the 18m training vessel 'Maritime Image'.
All curricula are industry-approved and meet the requirements of the Western Australian Department of Transport and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) where appropriate.
The centre was developing WA's first vocational education and training Graduate Diploma in aquaculture.
The centre also houses the Aquaculture Development Unit, an applied research and development facility to support WA's commercial aquaculture industry and the centre's aquaculture training programs.
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