Manufacturing capability in Western Sydney is set to be strengthened under a $2.5 million investment from the New South Wales Government to upgrade training facilities at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park, aimed at building a pipeline of skilled workers for the state’s expanding freight, transport and manufacturing sectors.
The funding will support new and upgraded infrastructure at the campus, including a covered outdoor learning area designed for hands-on training in vehicle manufacturing, dismantling and assembly, as well as improvements to the engineering grinding room with updated extraction systems and safety upgrades.
In a news release, the government said the investment responds to projected growth in road freight demand of almost 80 per cent by 2050, alongside workforce pressures in specialist trades. It also noted that nearly half of Australia’s vehicle body builders are aged 45 and over, increasing the need to train new entrants into manufacturing and heavy vehicle trades.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the investment forms part of broader efforts to support training pathways linked to major infrastructure and industry projects.
“The Minns Labor Government is investing in modern TAFE facilities across Western Sydney including at Wetherill Park to ensure local students can access the training opportunities they need for long-term success,” Car said.
“This investment in training is being backed by our generational investment in projects like Western Sydney Airport, securing highly skilled jobs for locals so they can work close to home.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said the upgrades would strengthen manufacturing and transport skills development while preparing students for emerging technologies.
“The NSW freight industry underpins our economy. We need a pipeline of skilled workers who can build, maintain and service the trucks, trailers and heavy vehicles that keep our state moving,” Whan said.
“These upgrades will strengthen specialist training at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park while giving students exposure to emerging technologies that are helping shape the future of transport.”
The program also includes collaboration with clean energy company Pure One, which will provide a hydrogen-powered electric prime mover truck valued at $780,000 for training purposes. The vehicle will be used to expose students to hydrogen, battery electric and conventional propulsion systems as part of evolving manufacturing and transport technologies.
Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said the investment would help maintain local training capacity for industry needs.
“TAFE NSW Wetherill Park has a proud history of training skilled tradespeople and this investment will ensure local students continue to have access to high-quality facilities close to home,” McDermott said.
“From heavy vehicle manufacturing to emerging clean transport technologies, these upgrades will help equip students with the practical skills industry needs now and into the future.”
Construction of the new outdoor learning area is expected to begin in mid-2026, with engineering upgrades scheduled for completion in 2027. The investment builds on a broader $54 million commitment to the TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Western Sydney at Wetherill Park.
