Barminco donated a Sandvik underground truck to South Metropolitan TAFE, enhancing its capacity to train skilled mining and heavy automotive workers in Western Australia.
The $1.8 million refurbished underground truck will be used as a training resource for plant mechanic apprentices and trainees at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Training Centre.
The Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Training Centre provides students with job-ready skills by utilising industry equipment that resembles real-life working environments.
The donated underground truck will aid students in diagnosing and repairing various mining and civil construction equipment, including dump trucks, bulldozers, loaders, graders, drill rigs, and heavy plant machinery.
“South Metropolitan TAFE’s strong links with industry are helping to ensure students leave TAFE with skills that are desirable to employers,” Thornlie MLA Chris Tallentire said.
“Thanks to Barminco for investing in training and WA’s future mining workforce with another generous donation to Thornlie’s Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Training Centre,” Tallentire added.
The underground truck will be added to Barminco’s recent donation of a reconditioned ‘Jumbo’ development drill for the Heavy Vehicle Mechanical Training Centre, which is valued at around $1.8 million new.
“The State Government thanks Barminco for its generous donation, which will help train up the mining and heavy automotive workforce of the future,” Training Minister Simone McGurk said.
Minister McGurk stated that providing students with modern machinery ensures they are equipped with industry-specific skills upon landing jobs, enabling them to start immediately.
“The Sandvik underground truck is a welcome addition to South Metropolitan TAFE and complements the State Government’s $25 million investment in modern equipment for WA TAFE colleges,” she added.
Barminco, a subsidiary of Perenti Group, is among South Metropolitan TAFE’s top employers of apprentices.
Over 90 active apprentices, including 70 heavy-duty mechanical apprentices, are enrolled in TAFE’s Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology and Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (Plant Mechanic) qualifications.
The Western Australian Government has implemented Lower Fees, Local Skills and Fee-Free initiatives to significantly lower course fees for various automotive, engineering, and mining qualifications.
“The mining and resources sector is a vital component of the State’s economy, and this is a fantastic example of how WA TAFE colleges work closely with the mining industry to provide training that leads to real jobs,” Minister McGurk said.
