The unveiling of Armadale’s latest educational jewel marks a significant milestone for vocational training in Perth’s south-east. Premier Roger Cook and Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk officially inaugurated the new $39 million TAFE campus, a striking multi-storey building situated in the town centre on Church Avenue. This modern facility is set to transform the local training landscape, providing cutting-edge education and skills development to the region’s residents.
The new South Metropolitan TAFE campus represents a considerable upgrade, consolidating several older vocational training sites into a single, state-of-the-art hub. It offers a broad range of industry-relevant courses in business, childcare, community services, education support, and information technology. This consolidation nearly doubles the training capacity previously available, positioning the campus as a central resource for local students looking to acquire skills suited to Western Australia’s dynamic job market.
This campus launch is timely, coinciding with a record high of over 153,800 enrolments in publicly funded vocational courses. This surge is partly due to the State Government’s initiative to provide fee-free and low-fee training in critical sectors like construction, engineering, logistics, and community services. By expanding training opportunities in these areas, the new facility aims to better align local skill development with the needs of the evolving economy.
The new Armadale campus is more than just a training centre; it’s a community asset designed with modern needs in mind. Facilities include advanced simulated childcare environments for early learning education, specialised areas for IT and emerging industries, and comprehensive classrooms and computer labs. The campus also features a contemporary student hub, a creche, and inviting outdoor terraces, all aimed at creating a supportive and engaging learning atmosphere.
A notable addition is the Jobs and Skills Centre, where students and jobseekers can receive personalised guidance on training and employment opportunities. This resource is part of the Cook Government’s broader strategy to connect local communities with the support they need to thrive in a competitive job market.
This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Fremantle architectural firm Armstrong Collective and constructed by local company PS Structures, involved over 500 workers, including apprentices and trainees. This local involvement underscores the project’s commitment to fostering regional employment and skill-building.
Premier Roger Cook highlighted the importance of the new campus, saying, “My Government is committed to training local people for local jobs, ensuring that all Western Australians can benefit from our growing economy. We are investing more than ever before in TAFE capital works, modern equipment, and affordable training to help develop our State’s skilled workforce. This impressive new campus will serve as a valuable asset for Armadale and Perth’s south-eastern suburbs, providing industry-standard training close to home.”
Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk added, “The State Government’s $39 million investment consolidates vocational training facilities into a modern, centrally located campus, providing the local community with additional training places. This investment ensures Armadale has access to top-notch facilities that will prepare individuals for the workforce.”
Armadale MLA Tony Buti praised the new campus for its potential to enhance local training opportunities. “The opening of the new TAFE campus is a testament to the State Government’s commitment to providing local training options. The facility will benefit young school leavers, job seekers, and career changers in the fast-growing south metropolitan corridor, offering them the tools they need for successful careers. The campus will also act as a vibrant community hub, conveniently located near public transport, shops, and cafes, making it a more accessible option for many.”
The new TAFE campus is part of a larger $250 million investment by the Cook Government in upgrading infrastructure across Western Australia’s TAFE colleges. This significant funding boost reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that high-quality training facilities are available throughout the State, meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse and skilled workforce.
As Perth’s south-eastern suburbs continue to expand, the new Armadale TAFE campus stands as a beacon of educational and economic opportunity. It promises to play a pivotal role in equipping the local community with the skills needed for the future, helping to drive both personal and regional growth.
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