- $229.2 million Rebuilding our TAFEs program announced today
- Plan includes $167.4 million to upgrade TAFE colleges across the State
- Largest TAFE capital works program in WA history, creating an estimated 1,000 jobs
- $79.1 million in upgrades to TAFE in regional WA
- $57 million package to slash TAFE fees by up to 72 per cent and deliver 15 free short courses, plus $4.8 million for the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive
The McGowan Government today announced the biggest capital works program in history for TAFE campuses across the State, as part of the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.
The $229.2 million Rebuilding our TAFEs plan includes a record $167.4 million investment in capital works projects to upgrade essential infrastructure across the five Western Australian TAFE colleges.
The upgrades will create world-class learning opportunities for students while generating a pipeline of jobs, which will deliver a boost to the economy and help Western Australia get back on track.
Two North Metropolitan TAFE campuses will receive significant upgrades as part of the program.
The ageing Balga campus is set to receive a major upgrade, with $32 million allocated to overhaul the campus that was originally constructed in the 1970s.
A new multistorey building will replace 22 transportable classrooms to provide training in building and construction, community services and general education.
Construction of a new trade training workshop, and associated technology laboratories, for light automotive training is also planned for the Kendrew Crescent campus in Joondalup, with $17.6 million budgeted.
South Metropolitan TAFE's Armadale campus, split over temporary buildings in various locations, will be replaced, with $22.6 million earmarked for construction of a new consolidated state-of-the-art campus.
The new campus will be more accessible for young people, boost student capacity and enhance training delivery. Vocational Education and Training delivered to secondary students will also be a strong focus for the campus to help address youth unemployment.
Regional Western Australia will also benefit from upgrades totalling $79.1 million, including a $17 million upgrade to South Regional TAFE, Albany; $22 million to North Regional TAFE, Pundulmurra (South Hedland); $2 million for upgrades to Central Regional TAFE, Northam; while $5 million is planned to go towards a new classroom block at North Regional TAFE, Minurmarghali Mia (Roebourne).
This record infrastructure spend complements the McGowan Government's other initiatives to form its plan to rebuild WA's training sector, to support displaced workers, women and youth, and provide training for emerging skills needed in the community.
It follows the McGowan Government's recent announcement that TAFE fees will be slashed by up to 72 per cent on an additional 39 high priority courses, and 15 free short courses will be available to assist students to upskill for new jobs and provide pathways to full qualifications.
Rebuilding our TAFEs plan includes:
- $167.4 million in capital works projects across Western Australia;
- $25 million for free short courses to upskill thousands of Western Australians;
- $32 million for the expansion of the Lower fees, local skills program; and
- $4.8 million for the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Re-engagement Incentive.
For more information, visit http://inthistogether.wa.gov.au
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"Our TAFE sector is a vital component of the WA Recovery Plan, and this announcement will revitalise TAFE across the State.
"The Rebuilding our TAFEs program will deliver job-creating infrastructure to ensure students will continue to learn in first-class facilities. The reductions in course fees will create huge incentives for Western Australians to take up training opportunities in in-demand sectors.
"The plan will support the creation of jobs in the short term, but will also enable us to build a strong future. This is about ensuring young Western Australians have a bright future, laying the groundwork for the ongoing prosperity of our State.
"The Rebuilding our TAFEs plan will create of a pipeline of jobs for Western Australians, ensuring the State will rebound stronger than ever.
"The WA Recovery Plan includes $5.5 billion in measures to help drive economic and social recovery across the State."
Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"Our record investment in WA TAFE colleges will revitalise WA's training sector and ensure a steady supply of skilled workers as the economy recovers.
"We have consulted with all sections of the community to help shape the path to recovery and it is obvious the training sector is critical to our success.
"The WA Recovery Plan will support and strengthen our existing industries, as well as lay the foundation for jobs of the future."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
Education and Training Minister's office - 6552 5700
