Trade training best in world

The importance of trade training was highlighted last week when Federal Labor members and Senate candidate Joe Bullock visited Southern Cross Electrical Engineering.

Ahead of the WA Senate election next month, Mr Bullock, Brand MHR Gary Gray and shadow minister for employment Brendan O’Connor took a closer look at what happens behind the scenes of one of Kwinana’s trade training centres.

SCEE training manager Mel Oliveri said the centre was a provider of specialised electrical and instrumentation services and training.

Mr Oliveri led a tour of the training facilities which simulated on-site experiences including electrical, mechanical, heights, fire safety and confined spaces.

He said the centre had a strong focus on helping mature age trainees get back into the workforce.

Mr Bullock said the centre was an example of the private sector stepping up and helping the community secure employment.

“This centre should be commended for filling the gap, where our Government has a responsibility, to provide training opportunities,” he said.

Mr O’Connor said investment in skills, training and apprenticeships would remain a high priority.

“We know training is an essential ingredient if we are going to have a high-skilled labour market,” he said.

“You cannot do that without a delivery of skills, particularly in areas of demand, and this is a perfect case of that happening,” he said.

Mr Gray said SCEE was one of the many “world-standard” apprenticeship training centres in Rockingham and Kwinana.

“Skills that are being imparted here at SCEE give the people of this region the ticket they need, no just to do their job safely, well and productively but effectively to do it anywhere in the world,” he said.

“Training through the Kwinana strip really is the best in the world.”