Curtin University's Vocation Training and Education Centre in Kalgoorlie-Boulder has been taken over by the state government and will be established as a separate institution within the Department of Training and Workforce Development from January 1.
Curtin University's Vocation Training and Education Centre in Kalgoorlie-Boulder has been taken over by the state government and will be established as a separate institution within the Department of Training and Workforce Development from January 1.
It will eventually be developed into an autonomous State Training Provider.
The state government takeover follows long running conjecture over the future of Kalgoorlie's School of Mines, which is also run by Curtin University.
Earlier this year graduates from the school warned the institution may be forced to close unless changes were made.
The WASM's Graduate Association said a taskforce comprising representatives of the mining industry, operator Curtin University and the WA government was needed urgently to identify the problems and find solutions.
President of the Graduate Association Tony James said the number of students studying at the school's Kalgoorlie campus was unsustainably low and it faced closure unless significant changes were made to the current operating model.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier said that today's decision to take over VTEC supports the continued growth of training in the Goldfields and is part of the Government's commitment to regional development.
"It will be a great benefit to the community to establish an organisation whose core business and main priority will be the delivery of training.
"It comes at a time when we need to provide more opportunities than ever for all West Australians to take up training and employment in occupations desperately needed by industry," he said.
See statement from the minister below:
The State Government will take on responsibility of the Curtin Vocational Training and Education Centre (VTEC) in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, in a step that will enhance training opportunities in the Goldfields.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier today announced that the management of the centre had been transferred from Curtin University to the State Government.
Mr Collier said VTEC would be established as a separate institution within the Department of Training and Workforce Development on January 1, 2011, before it was developed into an autonomous State Training Provider.
"Transferring Curtin VTEC to the Government supports the continued growth of training in the Goldfields and is part of the Government's commitment to regional development," he said.
"It will be a great benefit to the community to establish an organisation whose core business and main priority will be the delivery of training.
"It comes at a time when we need to provide more opportunities than ever for all West Australians to take up training and employment in occupations desperately needed by industry."
The Minister said there had been strong community support for training to be delivered by the State in the Goldfields-Esperance region.
"VTEC will provide a golden opportunity for the community to benefit and share in our rapidly growing economic prosperity by helping people to change their existing careers or upskill into more rewarding and long term careers," he said.
The Minister said he expected a smooth transition following wide stakeholder consultation, and acknowledged the executive committee of Curtin University Council who approved the transfer, the staff, students and members of the community who were involved in the decision.