A fleet of mobile plant machinery has arrived at TAFE NSW Broken Hill to help meet the high demand for machine operators across the region, particularly in the mining industry.
According to Labour Market Insights, mining has experienced the second largest growth among industries in the Far West over the last five years. Jobs are expected to grow a further six per cent by 2026.
TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Civil Construction, Lindsay Griffith, said the equipment will allow TAFE NSW to meet the training needs of industry and improve employment outcomes for the community.
“We’ve taken delivery of a forklift, excavator, roller, loader and skid steer, which has enabled us to broaden our course offerings,” Mr Griffith said.
“We’ll be providing mobile training, which means we can bring the machines and training resources to our communities in the Far West including Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Coomealla, Menindee and beyond.
“Industry stakeholders have expressed to us their desire for high-quality, job-ready workers so these new courses are a great opportunity for our community to upskill and step into local jobs,” says Mr Griffith.
Broken Hill Cobalt Project Communications and Engagement Manager, Andrea Roberts, said they support the investment in mobile plant machinery for training purposes across Broken Hill and Far West NSW.
“This will aid in the development of skills required by our present and future workforce at the Broken Hill Cobalt Project.
“Additionally, the mobility of the training will broaden its reach, encouraging a greater number of people from the wider region to prepare for mining jobs and careers in the sector,” said Ms Roberts.
For more information about upcoming courses, contact Broken Hill TAFE on 131 601 or drop by the TAFE office at 248 Argent St.
