The Western Australian Government is investing more than $2 million in new equipment at South Metropolitan TAFE to support training in priority industries including manufacturing, automation, clean energy and electrical occupations.
The funding, provided through the TAFE Modern Equipment Program, will deliver new equipment across the Murdoch, Mandurah, Carlisle and Thornlie campuses.
At Murdoch and Mandurah, a new science equipment package will include a high-pressure liquid chromatograph, atomic absorption spectrometers, compound microscopes, pH meters, a UV-vis spectrophotometer, analytical balances and dissecting microscopes.
The equipment will be used for training in laboratory technology and techniques, environmental science and biotechnology, the government said in a news release.
The Carlisle campus will receive three electric vehicle high-voltage simulators and three controller area network (CAN) system trainers, while Thornlie campus will receive a physical model city to support practical cybersecurity and networking training.
According to the WA Government, the equipment will support training in priority occupations including clean energy and electrical, building and construction, the care economy, driver training, automation and manufacturing.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the investment was intended to ensure TAFE facilities and equipment reflected current industry requirements.
“Western Australia’s economy depends on a skilled local workforce, and we’re ensuring our TAFEs have the modern facilities and equipment needed to deliver high-quality training,” Sanderson said.
The investment comes alongside increased enrolments at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Murdoch Campus in several fee-free and low-fee courses since fee-free training was introduced in 2023.
The Government said enrolments in the Certificate IV in Preparation for Health and Nursing Studies increased by 153 per cent, while Certificate IV in Youth Work rose 100 per cent. The Business Ready Skill Set increased by 52 per cent, Certificate IV in Horticulture by 31 per cent and Certificate IV in Cyber Security by 26 per cent.
“The strong enrolment growth at Murdoch Campus shows that people are taking up these opportunities and pursuing training in industries where skilled workers are needed,” Sanderson said.
Bicton MLA Lisa O’Malley said the investment would provide students with training pathways into sectors including manufacturing and decarbonisation.
“The Fee Free training initiative is assisting many throughout Bicton and beyond to gain key skills for their transition into the in-demand clean energy, building, construction, electrical, manufacturing and decarbonisation sectors,” O’Malley said.
The Fee Free training initiative is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments.
