The State Government will implement changes to strengthen Western Australia’s public vocational education and training (VET) sector and provide enhanced training for students.
Member for Mining and Pastoral region Hon Dave Grills MLC said the Training Sector Reform Project, which commenced last year, recommended two key changes to the function and structure of the publicly funded training system.
“Currently we have 70 campuses administered by 11 TAFE colleges, under the changes these 70 campuses will be administered by 5 TAFE colleges,” Mr Grills said.
“The reform project found that Western Australia had six of the eight smallest colleges in the country. This reform will ensure our training system remains robust, sustainable and one of the best in Australia.”
Mr Grills said the changes would mean the campuses of Broome Derby, Fitzory Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Wyndham would now come under North Regional TAFE.
“New arrangements would also be introduced for greater collaboration among the network of colleges, allowing resources and expertise to be shared across WA. This will give students, particularly those in regional areas, access to more diverse training programs.”
Mr Grills said there would be no impact on Kimberley students enrolled in courses this year.
“Students currently enrolled will still have access to their training as the current campuses and courses offered remain unchanged,” Mr Grills said.
“These new arrangements will enable resources to be better directed where they are needed most, to ensure that the right training is delivered efficiently where it’s needed most.”
The reforms will also see the reinstatement of the TAFE brand, in recognition of the strong historical association and awareness by local communities.
