Perth Voice Interactive

LOCAL Tafes have benefited from what the Cook government says is the largest capital works program in the system’s history.

The East Perth Tafe was the biggest winner, scoring $1.28 million for 20 global navigation satellite systems and 20 robotic stations used by students to collect spacial data.

It also received $474,000 for a reverse osmosis unit and other equipment used in water treatment processes, and nearly $300,000 for industrial robotic arms that can select, sort, reorient and place items in a production line.

Dental students at Leederville Tafe will be smiling over their $119,000, which helped buy a milling unit, scanner and printer that can help them learn how to give others a perfect smile.

Mt Lawley’s campus picked up a $268,500 automated operating theatre used to teach anaesthetic technology students in a simulated working environment so they’re ready when they hit the hospital.

And Perth Tafe got a $117,000 multicolour LED television studio lighting system to teach camera and film lighting as part of video content creation.

The equipment and associated software was part of a $25 million modernisation program.

Training and workforce development minister Simone McGurk said the cutting-edge technology would help prepare today’s students for the jobs of the future.

“Our investment in modern equipment ensures students at TAFE campuses across the state are trained using equipment and technologies that reflect what is being used in industry,” Ms McGurk said.

“Our investment is having an increasingly crucial role as our state prepares for future workforce needs.

“Increasing the number of apprentices, particularly in trades such as electricians, engineers, motor mechanics, metal fitters and machinists will be vital to ensure we have the skills needed for WA to reach its target of net zero by 2050.

“With affordable training courses and hundreds of millions of dollars in new facilities, equipment and technologies, there has never been a better time to take up opportunities to train at WA Tafes.”