On 26 June 2024, Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk officially opened new state-of-the-art workshops at SR TAFE's Albany campus, replacing 50-year-old trade facilities to provide a contemporary training setting in line with industry needs.
The new facilities were named the Kinjarling Trades Workshops, in recognition of the local Noongar name for Albany.
An initiative of SR TAFE's Reconciliation Action Plan, the naming aims to increase the understanding, value and recognition of local Aboriginal culture, history, knowledge and rights through culturally-appropriate learning.
Stakeholders were taken on a tour of the new facilities used to deliver specialist training locally, in traditional trades such as light and heavy automotive, metals and engineering, building and construction, electrical and plumbing.
Also on display were two new electric vehicles and one new hybrid vehicle for Albany campus, funded by the $25 million TAFE Modern Equipment program.
Valued at $152,000, the new electric and hybrid vehicles are examples of the modern, real-world equipment TAFE students train with to develop their skills, enabling them to be 'job-ready' once they complete their qualification.
Albany campus has benefited from a total of $1.38 million in equipment through the TAFE Modern Equipment program, including a 3D printer, drone, skid steer loader, on-ground mobile brake tester and industrial process laboratory.