TAFE's AMTC a leading training provider for oil and gas industry

22/11/94

Western Australia's TAFE system has become Australasia's leading training provider for the oil and gas industry.

Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore said today this position has been achieved by TAFE's Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Centre (AMTC) in East Perth.

Mr Moore said that in its first year, the AMTC had already:

·       trained all employees on Woodside's new Goodwyn A platform over a six-month period;

·       provided multi-media computer training for oil operators including training in helicopter safety; and -

·       formed partnerships with State and national oil operators and private training providers, to establish an industry focussed Oil and Gas Training Centre.

The AMTC was the only one of its kind in Australia and the first learning centre of this type to focus on direct partnerships with industry.

Some 1,300 students were currently enrolled in science, technology and engineering courses.

Mr Moore said that in its first year, the centre - which was a joint venture between industry and Government - had demonstrated that it would be an important element in the future economic development of the State.

"In close co-operation with industry, the AMTC has developed specific courses and training programs relevant to industry demands in both Australia and the Asia Pacific Basin," the Minister said.

"Development grants from the Departments of Training and Commerce and Trade, have assisted in the centre's purchase of state-of-the-art equipment to provide leading edge oil and gas safety training."

The Minister said oil and gas was just one of the industries in which the AMTC was involved. Others included Food Technology, Information Technology with Silicon Graphics USA and a new Industrial and Automation (Robotics) Centre with German company Festo.

The AMTC was opened by the Prime Minister and the Premier in October 1993.

Media contact:  Ross Storey  321 1444    222 9595