- McGowan Government delivers on Jobs and Skills Centres commitment to better link training sector with industry
- Centres to connect jobseekers to local job opportunities and prime industry for future growth and diversification of the economy
- Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre supports growing number of locals seeking new opportunities
Premier Mark McGowan today joined Member for Baldivis Reece Whitby MLA to launch the newest of the State Government's Jobs and Skills Centres at Rockingham TAFE.
Rockingham and surrounding suburban residents are the latest to benefit from a Jobs and Skills Centre, with others already established at TAFE campuses in Joondalup, Balga, Northbridge and Thornlie.
The implementation of Jobs and Skills Centres across Western Australia delivers on the McGowan Labor Government's commitment to transform Western Australian TAFE colleges to better link the training sector with businesses and industry.
Locally-focussed Jobs and Skills Centres support local employers and businesses to build a skilled workforce and create employment, apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.
This will ensure that training programs are well targeted to meet industry needs and will enable people to access training that maximises their opportunities for employment and career development.
Jobs and Skills Centres are an example of the strong partnerships between TAFE and industry to increase training opportunities. At the Rockingham centre alone, 20 new apprentices/trainees have signed up with employers in recent weeks.
Since its launch, the Jobs and Skills WA website has welcomed more than 60,000 visitors with 6,500 visiting the jobs board page and 600 visitors to the Rockingham Jobs and Skills landing page.
A further eight centres will be established in regional areas throughout WA, extending from Broome in the north, to Albany in the south, and Kalgoorlie in the east.
Outreach services will expand the network across WA, and specialist services will assist people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and ex-offenders.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"My Government's top priority is jobs for WA, so it's essential we continue to implement our Plan for Jobs. A component of that was the introduction of Jobs and Skills Centres.
"A growing number of Western Australians are wanting to work, so we need to connect people to real resources. Jobs and Skills Centres will help with job searching and job matching, and assist with apprenticeships and traineeships.
"We will continue to work with TAFE and industry to bridge the gap between training and employment. Already, we have delivered on our commitment to freeze TAFE fees to enable more Western Australians to get the skills they need to get jobs and grow our State's economy."
Comments attributed to Reece Whitby MLA:
"The Rockingham South Metro TAFE is a key location for the new Jobs and Skills Centre because of its proximity to growing suburbs such as Baldivis and Wellard.
"I know many people are struggling to find steady employment right now, and the new Centre is great because it will help locals upskill for actual jobs on the ground."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
