Outback TAFE's big build over
Ten million dollars worth of new facilities can now respond to the specific needs of one remote community.
The Kimberley Training Institute (KTI) in Western Australia has had a major upgrade, with millions spent to set up new equipment and courses that were designed based on local input.
Residents of nearby towns said they wanted more opportunities to work with cars, so the centre includes a $3 million purpose-built automotive workshop at Halls Creek.
There has also been a $7 million refurbishment at a campus in Derby, which was over two years in the making.
KTI corporate services director Lindsay Gassman has told the ABC that the upgrades included new classrooms, conference facilities and entirely courses including carpentry, mechanics and art.
“There's been a lot of demand in the trade areas in particular and in Derby that extended into agriculture, horticulture and art and as people know the Derby region, there's some very talented artists in that region and the art facility in Derby will complement,” he said.
“The Loch Street campus, which complements our main campus in Clarendon Street in Derby, had limitations to it, so it's been completely gutted and redeveloped, so we now offer a full range of trade services - metals, automotive and carpentry and joinery.”