New $17.85 million TAFE campus will accommodate up to 1,300 students
Project to create about 200 full-time jobs
Supported by a $10 million investment by Royalties for Regions
The Liberal National Government has delivered on its commitment to training in Esperance by committing $17.85 million to build a new, state-of-the-art TAFE campus for the community.
Deputy Premier and Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey said the project would replace the dilapidated facilities, boost skills and create jobs in the region.
"The $17.85 million state-of-the-art facility will deliver the best possible training to ensure the Esperance community can be equipped with the skills, employers are looking for," Ms Harvey said.
"Not only will the new facility ensure Esperance TAFE students are trained to the highest standard, construction of the new campus will create approximately 200 full-time jobs."
The Deputy Premier said the new campus would provide training in local industry areas including mining, construction, engineering, hairdressing, mechanical, agriculture, business, health, aged care, retail, beauty therapy and community services.
"The new campus will co-locate with the Esperance Senior High School, which will especially benefit Year 11 and 12 students who undertake Vocational Education and Training in School programs," she said.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said the $10 million investment from Royalties for Regions would provide access to skills development and training, which was an important element in attracting and retaining regional residents and supporting growth.
"The current South Regional TAFE campus is now 30 years old and in urgent need of replacement. The construction of a new, contemporary training facility is essential to address unmet demand so that local people can train locally and have confidence the facilities have the capacity to meet their training needs," Mr Redman said.
"Providing contemporary training facilities like this will help to support skills development and provide growth prospects that will bring long-term social and economic benefits to the region."
Fact File
The Liberal National Government has invested $288m in TAFE facilities since 2009
$17.85m total project cost made up of $10m from Royalties for Regions and $7.5m from the Department of Training and Workforce Development
The $10m Royalties for Regions investment is part of the $198m Goldfields-Esperance Revitalisation Fund
Deputy Premier and Training and Workforce Development Minister's office - 6552 5900
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700