Construction begins on new TAFE centre

Work on a $16.87 million upgrade to South Metropolitan TAFE's Mandurah campus has started, with new training facilities to open in 2023.

The project, which forms part of the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan, is aimed at offering a one-stop shop for simulated training at the Mandurah campus.

The new centre will be used to deliver training in commercial cookery, tourism and event management, and hair and beauty.

It will include two training kitchens, a production kitchen and a restaurant, as well as a new hair salon and dedicated training spaces for beauty therapy and massage.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said lower TAFE fees had boosted the number of students opting for hospitality courses by 28 per cent.  

"We have made it easier than ever before for Western Australians to gain a qualification,” she said. 

"The major upgrade to South Metropolitan TAFE's Mandurah campus will give approximately 500 students from the Peel region access to the very best learning environment.” 

Premier Mark McGowan said the new training centre would allow local businesses to access and get highly skilled and trained staff. 

“Our quality facilities allow people to train in the best environment and get best skills,” he said. 

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2022, with students able to access the facilities in time for semester one 2023.