Metals & Engineering

TAFE sees growth in all areas

Boosts in funding, partnerships, building and technological developments at Port Augusta TAFE, in the Upper Spencer Gulf region in South Australia, has created excellent new opportunities and a potentially rich learning environment for budding apprentices and trade-workers.

Enrolments at the institution have increased significantly and the possibility of more workers being trained and qualified there gives hope to addressing Australia's current skills shortage.

Considerable development has been recently witnessed in the following areas of study which the TAFE has on offer, for example:

  • electrical
  • diesel fitting
  • mining
  • rigid dump trucking
  • engineering
  • virtual business enterprise
  • commercial cooking
  • community service and health

The development includes the introduction of a range of fresh programs and facilities: new and more extensive courses like Certificate III in commercial cooking; building upgrades such as the redevelopment of the mining training area library; partnerships with enterprises like OneSteel Whyalla and the Australian Technical College offering apprentices solid training and experience; and the introduction of impressive new equipment and systems like the Theiss/Oxana truck driving stimulator, which has enticed over 130 students to place themselves on the list for rigid dump truck training.

According to regional manager Mr Kym Williams, enrolments at the Aboriginal Access Centre are also rising - a program which hopes to have more and more indigenous Australians accessing training, qualifications, and therefore job opportunities where they may showcase their skills.

The recruitment of well-trained and qualified staff has furthered Port Augusta TAFE's image as a reputable training provider. The campus has a newfound buzzing, positive atmosphere and students interested in enrolling are encouraged to take part in it; as Williams said "the whole campus is coming to life again."




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