The Western Australian Government has announced more than $2 million in funding for new training equipment at South Regional TAFE, with a focus on supporting manufacturing, mining and construction training opportunities as student enrolments continue to rise.
According to the WA Government, the funding will be provided through the TAFE Modern Equipment Program and will support the purchase of new equipment across South Regional TAFE campuses, including a major investment linked to engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship training in Bunbury.
Of the funding, $1.5 million will be allocated to upgrade the workshop of local equipment manufacturer RCR Mining Technologies in the Picton Industrial Area. The workshop will be repurposed through a Regional Engineering Apprenticeships Partnership to deliver apprentice training onsite in collaboration with South Regional TAFE.
The initiative is intended to create additional local training opportunities and reduce the need for apprentices to travel to Perth for block training.
New equipment planned for the facility includes industrial lathes, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and mills. Additional equipment for South Regional TAFE’s Bunbury campus is expected to include a backhoe, skid steers or excavators, and an engine dynamometer, with the equipment anticipated to be available from the first semester of 2027.
The announcement comes as new government data shows increased enrolments in fee-free and low-fee TAFE courses at South Regional TAFE’s Bunbury campus.
Since becoming fee-free in 2023, enrolments in the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care have risen by 30 per cent, while Diploma of Nursing enrolments have increased by 89 per cent.
Since low-fee courses were introduced in 2020, enrolments in Certificate III courses in Carpentry, Plumbing and Electrotechnology Electrician have increased by 148 per cent, 111 per cent and 75 per cent respectively.
Skills and Training Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the Government’s investment aimed to support workforce development across a range of industries.
“We know the right training pathway opens the door for good, secure jobs,” Ms Sanderson said.
“We want to see more sparkies, brickies and welders on the tools, building our homes and hospitals.
“That’s why we’re investing millions of dollars into fee free and low fee TAFE and making sure we have industry-current equipment needed to support and increase these training opportunities.”
South West Minister and Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the investment would strengthen local training capacity and support workforce development in the region.
“This investment is a big win for the South West. The region not only receives state-of-the-art training equipment but it also helps to create more opportunities for local apprentices to train and work right here in our region,” Mr Punch said.
“By partnering with local industry and expanding training in Bunbury, it reduces the need for locals to travel to Perth and builds a stronger, more skilled workforce that will support the South West’s future.”
The WA Government said the investment forms part of its broader funding commitments to TAFE, training and apprenticeship programs across the state.
