Peel to benefit from hospitality and tourism training centre

Mandurah is to get a centre for excellence in hospitality and tourism training to meet the high demand for skilled workers in the region.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today between the City of Mandurah, Mirvac Fini and Challenger TAFE which will ensure a world-class training facility is established as part of the Mandurah Peninsula Hotel redevelopment.

Norm Marlborough, representing the Minister for Education and Training, said "the Peel region is one of the fastest growing economies in Western Australia and we need to ensure we can continue to supply a dedicated and motivated workforce."

Challenger TAFE will provide local people with training to Australian standards and students will gain nationally recognised qualifications with four star work experience in the adjacent Sebel Hotel, restaurants and cafes.

"This initiative will ensure that the region's rapidly growing hospitality and tourism industry is supported by workers with high level skills," the Minister said.

"At the same time, this landmark agreement will create career pathways into employment by providing further training for young people living in the Peel region.

Work on the $210 million development, including the new hospitality and tourism training facility, has already begun. The project is expected to be completed mid-2008.