Official opening of S Metro TAFE's Fremantle Maritime Centre

17/4/97

Western Australia is becoming a world leader in training, research and development for the maritime industry thanks to South Metro TAFE's Fremantle Maritime Centre.

The centre in Fleet Street was officially opened today by the State Employment and Training Minister Cheryl Edwardes and Federal Schools, Vocational Education and Training Minister Dr David Kemp.

The Federal Government provided $2 million in capital works funding for additions and renovations to the Centre.

Mrs Edwardes said the Maritime Centre was emerging as a leader in training for the fishing, aquaculture, marine engineering and marine operations sectors of the industry.

"Training in all of these streams is extremely popular and the demand is growing with over 1600 students enrolling during the last 12 months, as well as an additional 435 external students," Mrs Edwardes said.

"The Centre is a perfect example of government and industry working together to provide the most progressive training available to the maritime industry."

The final stage of the centre was completed late last year.

Mrs Edwardes said the centre was one of the most industry-relevant maritime training facilities in Australia.

At the request of the fishing industry, South Metro TAFE is already building an annexe to the Maritime Centre in the heart of fishing fleet activity at Two Rocks.

The Maritime Centre is promoting 'seamless' education and training for students moving from school to TAFE, and from TAFE to university.

"The Maritime Centre is also establishing strong partnerships with WA higher education institutions, including Murdoch and Curtin Universities, with the latter currently in the process of co-locating its graduate training and research at the Centre," Mrs Edwardes said.

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 221 1377