THE State Government is to fund a hospitality and tourism training centre in Mandurah to meet the high demand for skilled workers in the region. A MOU was signed today between the City of Mandurah, Mirvac Fini and Challenger TAFE to establish a world-class training facility as part of the Mandurah Peninsula Hotel redevelopment. 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,” said Norm Marlborough, representing the Minister for Education and Training. “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 Peninsula development has already begun. The project is expected to be completed mid-2008.