TAFE college for Central Wheatbelt

8/10/93

A new hi-tech regional college of TAFE will soon be established in the Central Wheatbelt.

Education, Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore announced today that work would start immediately on the new Central Wheatbelt regional college.

Mr Moore said the college administrative centre would be located at the Northam TAFE campus, which would undergo a $2 million upgrade.  A new $550,000 facility would also be established at Merredin.

"The college will be based on the new distributive college model, which uses communications technology to link rural centres," the Minister said.

"Students and staff will be able to access the latest technologies such as dedicated television, and computer links and satellite videoconferencing, already in place through the TAFE Telecentre network, WALINK."

Mr Moore said the college would be a member of the State-wide system of autonomous colleges under the proposed Vocational Education and Training Act.

It would provide efficient and flexible vocational education and training services to Wheatbelt clients ranging from farmers and small businessmen to school-leavers.

"The Department of Employment, Vocational Education and Training is to be commended for its foresight in planning facilities close to existing high schools, enabling the economical sharing of staff and resources," the Minister said.

Media contact: Ross Storey 321 1444/222 9595