A new $8.4 million training centre for the creative industries of printing and jewellery making has been launched in the heart of Perth, by the Hon Julia Gillard MP Deputy Prime Minister and the Hon Mark McGowan MLA, WA Minister for Education and Training.
The new 2,600-square meter Central TAFE building on Newcastle Street Northbridge is equipped with cutting edge facilities.
“The two-storey building has an industry standard printing plant and jewellery workshops, which are among the best in the country, with a multimedia and computing centre to support art, design and media studies,” Central TAFE Managing Director Neil Fernandes said.
“These facilities, combined with an industry focus, will ensure that Central TAFE remains at the forefront of vocational training and that its graduates continue to shine in the demanding and competitive creative industries.”
Opening the building Minister Gillard said the building was a valuable addition to Central TAFE’s facilities and will boost the College’s already very high standing as a training centre in Western Australia.
“All the occupations that this facility provides training for are important for our society. Important as part of our productive capacity and our creative capacity and, of course in the modern age our productive capacity and our creative capacity are joined,” she said.
“The Australian Government has been delighted to support this major redevelopment project for Central TAFE in partnership with the Western Australian Government.
“The Australian Government provided a grant of over $7 million through the major capital component of the National Infrastructure Training Program, and I would like to acknowledge the West Australian Government’s contribution over $1million.
Mr Fernandes said the opening of the building marked completion of the first stage of the $67 million Central TAFE redevelopment in Northbridge.
“The Central TAFE redevelopment will create an inner city precinct for more than 26,000 students and consolidate training in the key areas of resource development, creative industries, community services and science,” he said.
“This redevelopment is an unprecedented investment in the college’s training capability which would provide a major boost for skills training in Perth’s central business district.
“Already acknowledged as a leading provider of higher level technical training, the new facilities mean that Central TAFE will be even better placed to tackle skill shortages and meet the demands of tomorrow’s workplaces.”
The second stage of the redevelopment, due for completion in 2010, will become the cornerstone of the Perth campus and dramatically change the face of Northbridge.