Home

New training centre suits bright sparks

Alicia PereraPilbara News
Saxon Fox-Clark and Dylan Foster-Reed are two apprentices part of the first local intake for Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician at Karratha’s new electrical specialisation centre.
Camera IconSaxon Fox-Clark and Dylan Foster-Reed are two apprentices part of the first local intake for Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician at Karratha’s new electrical specialisation centre. Credit: Pilbara Development Commission

The first local intake of electrical apprentices in a specialised course which previously would have required them to study in Perth have completed their first block of training at Karratha’s new electrical specialisation centre.

The Karratha Electrical Instrumentation Centre of Specialisation opened in November to offer Pilbara students more opportunities for hands-on and advanced electrical study in their own region.

Seven apprentices are undertaking a Certificate III in Engineering — Industrial Electrician locally rather than in Perth for the first time and completed their first block of on-campus learning earlier this month.

They are among more than 95 apprentices working towards qualifications at the new centre, with other courses on offer including Certificate IV in Engineering — Instrumentation and Certificate II in Electronic Assembly.

Pilbara Development Commission chief executive Terry Hill said the centre offered electrical students access to training and qualifications not previously available in the region.

The centre is funded by the State Government through the Pilbara Development Commission and the Department of Training and Workforce Development, al-ong with the Woodside-operated North West Shelf Project and Pluto LNG.

Woodside Karratha Gas Plant asset manager Andrew Lobb said the Woodside-operated North West Shelf Project and Pluto LNG were proud to be involved with the centre and it was already having a strong impact.

“This new facility is already making a significant and sustainable contribution to improving training outcomes,” he said.

“It will also help create a pipeline of skilled personnel.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails