The $47.9 million expansion of North Metropolitan TAFE’s Balga campus has officially begun, with Premier Mark McGowan and Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery visiting the northern suburbs campus today to turn the first sod of the new state of the art training facility.
The major redevelopment includes a new three-storey building to replace 22 rundown transportable classrooms at the campus, which was originally built in the 1970s. The specialist teaching block will be used to deliver training across a range of areas including building and construction, electrical, English and adult migrant education, as well as improving student services and staff amenities with student breakout spaces, meeting rooms, conference rooms and additional parking. The new campus will offer a mix of modern learning spaces, including contemporary and technology enabled classrooms and computer laboratories, as well as a large future trades training workshop to accommodate ‘smart building’ and emerging construction technologies.
The ground floor of the new building will welcome students and clients with a range of amenities including an interactive student learning hub (contemporary library), reception and student services. It will also house the Balga Jobs and Skills Centre, connecting the local community with free, professional advice on training and employment opportunities.
Local company EMCO Building has been appointed for construction, employing approximately 400 people — including apprentices and trainees — throughout the project. Designed by Perth architecture studio Hassell, the project is one of 14 major capital works projects taking place at TAFE colleges across WA as part of the McGowan Government’s record $215.8 million investment in upgrading essential infrastructure. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2024.
“The $47.9 million investment at North Metropolitan TAFE’s Balga campus will significantly upgrade the training facilities at the ageing campus.“ said the Premier. "Students will be learning $47.9m with modern, high-tech equipment and facilities, in a major boost for our next generation of skilled workers. With TAFE campuses being upgraded across the State as part of our record investment, along with significantly reduced course fees through our Lower fees, local skills program, there has never been a better time to train at TAFE.”
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery added that “The McGowan Government is investing heavily in training to ensure we are growing the skilled workforce in priority sectors. This major upgrade will ensure North Metropolitan TAFE’s Balga campus is delivering contemporary and industry relevant training into the future, across a range of areas including building and construction trades. Once complete, student capacity will be boosted at the already busy campus, ensuring more learning opportunities for the local community.”