$27 million Centre of Excellence to support our water and energy sectors

The Rockliff Liberal Government is getting on with our plan to build a better TasTAFE and put the learner at the centre of our training system.

TasTAFE’s new $27 million Water and Energy Trades Centre of Excellence on Hobart’s Eastern Shore will provide the latest industry-aligned training to support Tasmania’s water and energy apprentices.

Minister Felix Ellis said it was fantastic to open one of Australia’s newest state-of-the-art training facilities during National Skills Week.

“The Centre will deliver training for more than 1250 TasTAFE students and help Tasmania maximise its competitive advantage in water and energy, offering training in plumbing, electrotechnology, air conditioning, refrigeration and emerging renewable energy sectors,” Minister Ellis said.

“Designed and developed in collaboration with industry, we know how important it is that Tassie’s tradies of the future are getting the training they need so they can build this state.

The 5000 square metre building features a sandpit and three-storey stack designed to replicate the pipes and inner workings of a multi-storey building, as well as the latest electrotechnology equipment.

“This investment by the Rockliff Liberal Government, supported by the Commonwealth, will mean future generations of industry professionals have an even better training experience.

“TasTAFE’s future is very bright. Our $118 million plan will deliver new buildings, more teachers, better access for rural and regional TasTAFE students, and new training opportunities so more Tasmanians can get a job.

“This Centre of Excellence is just another example of how our reforms and investments are supporting TasTAFE to modernise and put the needs of its learners at the centre,” Minister Ellis said.

The $27 million centre is funded by the Tasmanian and Australian Governments with support from industry.

The opening of the WET Centre of Excellence follows the recent completions of the new Student Services Learning Hub on the Clarence campus, and TasTAFE’s first ever Cyber Security Operations Centre at the Campbell Street campus.