The State Government's $10 million upgrade of Central Regional TAFE's Kalgoorlie campus is underway, with construction starting on a new trades workshop.
The new $7 million workshop will expand training for plant mechanic and engineering trades, training locals to support the workforce needs of the Goldfields' resources industry. Existing workshops at the Kalgoorlie campus will undergo a $1 million refurbishment; with a further $2 million worth of industry-standard trades equipment being installed, with input from resource sector companies to ensure training meets their requirements.
Once complete, the state of the art facility will provide training space for the plant mechanics, heavy auto and auto electrical trade disciplines; with a dedicated workshop, classrooms and laboratory spaces.
Construction is expected to be completed in November 2022, with training to commence in Semester 1, 2023. Western Australian builder FIRM Constructions has been awarded the tender, which will employ 118 workers throughout the project — including apprentices. Local and Aboriginal businesses have been engaged throughout the project to maximise local employment opportunities. The $10 million project at the Kalgoorlie campus is part of the State Government's $184.3 million investment to fund essential infrastructure upgrades across the TAFE network, as part of the WA Recovery Plan.
"The major upgrades to Central Regional TAFE's Kalgoorlie campus will establish facilities to deliver practical, industry focused training, training job ready and highly skilled workers for the Goldfields region." said Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery.