Students and job seekers in the City of Gosnells are set to benefit from a major investment in TAFE and training, with the Cook Government allocating $331 million in the latest State Budget to grow WA’s skilled workforce and support the economy.
The funding will support a range of initiatives aimed at boosting training opportunities, especially in construction, clean energy and transport; industries that are vital to the state’s future.
Local students enrolled at South Metropolitan TAFE, including those attending the Thornlie campus, are expected to benefit from these initiatives.
The government will keep course fees low and continue offering fee-free TAFE courses in priority areas such as building and construction.
Member for Thornlie Colleen Egan said the investment builds on the government’s commitment to making training more accessible for everyone in the community. She said the TAFE system had changed significantly since 2017, when rising fees had pushed many students out. “TAFE was out of reach for many, with enrolments dropping by nearly a quarter in that time,” she said.
“We have smashed enrolment barriers and made TAFE more affordable and accessible, providing opportunities for all in our community to pursue a career that benefits their own families while also addressing the workforce needs of WA.”
An additional $100 million has been set aside to maintain low-fee and fee-free TAFE settings into 2026, including $7.3 million from the Federal Government’s National Skills Agreement. The Budget also provides $33.9 million to extend the TAFE Modern Equipment Program, which will deliver updated training tools for courses in electrical, construction, health, automation, manufacturing and driver training.
Premier Roger Cook said the investment would help secure WA’s future. “Building a skilled workforce helps keep our economy the strongest in the nation, powers our transformation to renewable energy and delivers on our commitment to make more things in Western Australia,” he said.
Egan said training support is especially important for industries experiencing workforce shortages. “Strong enrolments over the past few years – particularly in fee-free courses – demonstrate that investing in TAFE is central to ensuring WA has the skilled workforce it needs,” she said.
The Budget also includes support for employers and apprentices through programs such as the Group Training Organisation Wage Subsidy and the reintroduced Adult Apprentice Incentive, which offers funding to help employers take on mature-age apprentices. Egan said these measures would benefit people at different stages of their careers. “Our budget initiatives are aimed at providing opportunities for all, whether they are entering the workforce or looking for a change in career,” she said. “I would encourage those interested to contact the Jobs and Skills Centre at Thornlie TAFE, which we opened in 2018 as a one-stop-shop for students, jobseekers and career changers looking to improve their skills and job prospects.”
Other major commitments in the Budget include the expansion of South Metro TAFE’s Munster Campus to support future skills in wind energy, battery technology, green hydrogen and automation. The government will also establish a new heavy vehicle driver training facility in Neerabup with the capacity to train 170 students a year.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the focus is on preparing students for real-world success. “We are setting students up for success, providing the equipment, the programs, and the employer support to deliver job-ready graduates to fill the positions required in the State’s booming economy,” she said.
For Thornlie residents, the Budget means more accessible training options, better facilities, and a clearer pathway to local jobs in sectors that are growing fast.
