The South Australian Government has announced it will invest $38.3  million for the construction of a dedicated centre of training excellence for the mining, engineering, defence and transport industries.

 

The announcement comes after figures released by the South Australian Government shows expected skills shortages in those sectors to the order of 25,000 to 30,000 vacancies.

 

“The Mining and Engineering Industry Training Centre at Regency Park will consolidate and integrate programs previously delivered across the TAFE SA network,” Treasurer Jack Snelling said.

 

Expected to be completed by mid 2014, the expansion will aim to complement the pre-existing facilities on site.

 

The training offered at the centre is expected to include:

  • utomotive and Light Vehicle Transport;
  • Heavy Vehicle Transport and Diesel Mechanics;
  • Geo Science and Mining;
  • Mechanical and Civil Engineering;
  • Surveying and Spatial Information Services; and
  • Welding and Fabrication

 

Employment, Higher Education and Skills Minister Tom Kenyon said together these programs currently account for about 3000 students (full time and part time) a year.

 

“It’s anticipated that this number will increase significantly as the employment market expands and the new centre becomes fully operational. Programs expecting major growth include heavy vehicle and diesel mechanics, mechanical and civil engineering and geoscience and land information management systems,” Mr Kenyon said.