The $2 million upgrade of Central Regional TAFE’s Northam campus is the latest to be officially opened as part of the State Government’s statewide rollout of improvements to essential TAFE infrastructure. Students studying at Northam TAFE are among the first to benefit from the modern trade training facilities, including the new metals and construction workshops.
The upgraded facilities will help to meet the needs of industries in the Wheatbelt region, including metal fabrication and building and construction, by training students in industry-standard facilities so they leave the TAFE job ready.
Designed by T&Z Architects and constructed by AE Hoskins Building Services, which are both Western Australian companies, the project included reconfiguration of existing classrooms to maximise space and provide an extra classroom, computer laboratory and six additional welding bays.
The State Government is investing $215.8 million upgrading TAFE colleges across the State as part of the WA Recovery Plan.
“The McGowan Government is investing in the largest ever TAFE capital works program to upgrade training facilities across Western Australia, including in regional areas,“ says Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery. "The Wheatbelt is an important contributor to the State’s economy, and these upgrades at Northam TAFE will help to deliver industries in the region with a pipeline of skilled workers who have trained in these contemporary facilities.”
Agricultural Region MLC Darren West said, “The McGowan Government’s significant work to upgrade TAFE facilities across WA is delivering for the Wheatbelt, with these fantastic new facilities opening up opportunities for people to get quality training closer to home. The $2 million in upgrades will ultimately bolster the region’s workforce, helping local businesses’ access to the skilled workers they need to thrive.”