New equipment to boost skills training in Carnarvon

Skills training in Carnarvon is set for a boost following the delivery of $150,000 of new equipment to Central West TAFE.

Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan today visited the Carnarvon campus to view the new metals and building and construction equipment.

Mr McGowan said the new equipment would give Central West TAFE greater capacity to expand into entry level trades training at the campus.

“The new equipment includes a bandsaw, cement mixers, work benches, thicknesser, milling drill, welders, generator and start up tool kits for pre-apprentices,” Mr McGowan said.

“Improvements have also been made to the facilities, including a power upgrade to run the new equipment and installation of new dust extraction units.”

Mr McGowan said Carnarvon campus students would benefit from the new trade training equipment.

Local member Vincent Catania said students from Carnarvon Senior High School and Gascoyne Junction Remote Community School who are involved in school-based training programs would also benefit.

“This is about providing better local skills training opportunities for local young people using contemporary, industry relevant equipment,” he said.

The new equipment for Central West TAFE’s Carnarvon campus was part of the State Government’s investment in new and upgraded training equipment for TAFEWA colleges around Western Australia.

Mr McGowan said the Government was transforming Western Australia’s training system to make it more responsive, flexible, relevant and efficient.

“Since February 2005, the State Government has committed a record additional $284million to addressing skill shortages,” he said.

“Furthermore we have more than doubled the number of apprentices and trainees in WA over the past seven years.”