New Maritime Training Centre brings the world to Fremantle

16/11/05
Maritime students can learn to navigate the largest harbours and sail the seven seas at Challenger TAFE's new $8.8million Maritime Training Centre.
Speaking at the official opening today, Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said Western Australia was leading the nation in maritime industry training.
"The new multi-million dollar centre features navigation simulators, an aquaculture hatchery and a fleet of 10 vessels, including an 18m training vessel," Ms Ravlich said.
"Training on the new facilities will expose mariners to real-life scenarios they face on working vessels."
Located in the heart of Fremantle, the centre is already attracting more local and overseas students and will offer great opportunities for students moving from school to work in the maritime industry.
"Last month, I signed an agreement with the Maritime Union of Australia and Challenger TAFE to provide more training opportunities for thousands of maritime workers across Australia," the Minister said.
"There are thousands of people who have been working in the maritime industry for years, who have never had their skills and competencies recognised or gained any formal qualifications.
"Maritime workers across Australia will be able to receive formal training and get fast-tracked qualifications from one of Australia's most impressive training centres."
Ms Ravlich said WA was committed to tackling the skills shortage.
"At the State election we pledged to have 30,000 people in training by 2009," she said.
"We have reached this target in a matter of months, but there's still more to do and we need the money to do it."
The Minister called on her Federal counterpart, Brendan Nelson, to stop holding WA back and start investing some serious money into training.
"In a recently signed training funding agreement the Howard Government did not, in real terms, give us any extra money," she said.
"In the middle of a crippling skills crisis, this is outrageous.
"We need to get more people into our TAFEs and out into the workforce. We need more money from the Howard Government."
The Gallop Government is committed to delivering new jobs and opportunities to all Western Australians.
Minister's office - 9213 6800