Steve Whan
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education
MEDIA RELEASE
Boosting Hunter workforce with high-quality vocational training
Thursday, 4 July 2024
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan has visited the impressive WesTrac Institute, a leading training provider offering comprehensive trade and post-trade training to support construction and mining industries.
Funded under the NSW Smart and Skilled program, the collaboration between the NSW Government and WesTrac Institute is benefiting hundreds of apprentices and trainees in the Hunter region.
The collaboration underscores the NSW Government's steadfast dedication to revitalising and empowering regional communities - the powerhouses of our state.
At WesTrac Institute, up to 300 students annually hone their skills within state-of-the-art facilities, boasting 14 classrooms, 2 laboratories, and a spacious 5-bay workshop. Currently, the Institute hosts 99 WesTrac apprentices, 59 post-trade students, and over 140 external students and customers.
Offering qualifications such as Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, and Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology, alongside specialised courses such as Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning, the Institute plays a pivotal role in upskilling the workforce.
In addition, it can cater for up to 4,000 students annually in post-trade courses, ensuring continuous upskilling of the workforce.
Since its inception in 2012, WesTrac Institute has invested in vocational education, achieving a high completion rate amongst its apprentices - a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and fostering a resilient, skilled workforce crucial for regional prosperity.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
"It was great to visit the WesTrac Institute and see firsthand how a collaboration between government and industry can improve vocational education and drive industry excellence and regional growth.
"The Institute's dedication to training not only its own apprentices and trade workers but also supporting the broader mining and construction industry is truly commendable.
"Its high completion rates and extensive post-trade training programs underscore its dedication to excellence in education and workforce development."
Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:
"The impressive WesTrac Institute is an incredible asset to Port Stephens. They set a very high standard for vocational training in NSW, not only training their own apprentices but also supporting the wider mining community and construction industry.
"The high completion rates of the WesTrac Institute and their extensive post-trade training programs are a testament for their commitment to excellence. This ensures a well-trained, resilient workforce that is crucial for the prosperity of our region."
WesTrac Institute NSW/ACT chief executive Adrian Howard said:
"WesTrac continues invest in our facilities, the institute, and our trainers to provide the best possible training in an innovative learning environment for the students attending the institute.
"As part of our Employee Value Proposition, 'made for more than just today', we are training and upskilling our people to be experts in the field today, and skilled for tomorrow, to meet the needs of our customers."
