The WA State Government has today unveiled plans for a new $6.3 million South Regional TAFE onsite training facility in Collie, to help local workers transition into new job opportunities.
The new facilities, which will be in addition to the existing South Regional TAFE Collie Campus, are part of the State Government's $662 million Collie Transition Package to diversify the local economy and create new jobs for workers impacted by the retirement of State-owned coal power stations.
The Forest Products Commission (FPC) building at 20 Throssell Street in Collie will be transformed to deliver training in skills needed for current and emerging industries, including forklift operations, crane ticketing, tourism, laboratory skills, and renewable energy. It is anticipated many of these courses will be delivered as short courses to upskill and retrain existing workers in response to emerging opportunities in the local economy.
The FPC will continue to have a presence in the region as it implements the State Government's $350 million softwood Plantation Expansion Program.
Planning is underway for construction and fit-out in 2024, with local contractors to be prioritised for the work. It is anticipated the facilities will be open for training in 2025.
The WA State Government's investment in the Collie workforce is an important part of work to diversify the local economy and ensure there are suitable, long-term jobs in the region. To be operated by South Regional TAFE in close proximity to the new Collie Jobs and Skills Centre and the existing Collie TAFE campus, the new facility will enhance services being provided to support the transition of local workers.
The new facilities complement other training initiatives being implemented in Collie, including Just Transition Working Group's 2023 Worker Survey, which aims to inform development of training programs for the local workforce. The funding is on top of the $243.3 million that the Cook Government is investing to upgrade TAFE colleges across Western Australia, ensuring students are learning in industry-standard, first-class facilities.
Premier Roger Cook said, "Our Government is bringing new industries, new businesses and new opportunities to Collie. Our $662 million commitment to Collie's Just Transition will ensure there are sustainable, well paid, local jobs in the Collie region into the future - and that locals have the right skills for these jobs. "This new training facility will provide a range of practical programs to assist local workers to take advantage of industries and opportunities coming to Collie."
Training Minister Simon McGurk added, "The training planned for the new South Regional TAFE facility will be developed in collaboration with local industry and with an eye to emerging jobs and opportunities. South Regional TAFE is working closely with local industry to develop relevant courses and recruit qualified teaching staff to meet future training demand. "We're excited to see local opportunities in emerging industries coming to Collie and bringing high quality jobs to the region."
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns remarked, "The Cook Government is getting on with attracting new industries and new jobs to Collie, but it's critical that local workers have the training they need to access these opportunities. By refurbishing this building, Collie will have a long-term community asset and local workers will have the support and training needed to support transition into new careers."