A NEW $900,000 training facility for students studying fitness and recreation courses was unveiled at Bunbury's South West Institute of Technology last Wednesday.
Training and workforce development Minister Liza Harvey officially opened the upgraded facilities, which will cater for a growing demand for training in the area of sport, fitness and recreation.
“These new facilities will enhance the institute's ability to meet increasing demand for training in these industries and it will enable local residents and people in surrounding areas to gain the skills that will lead to rewarding careers,” Mrs Harvey said.
“The centre also further strengthens the track record of the campus in aligning its training to the employment demands of the region's businesses and industry.”
Institute managing director Duncan Anderson said the space was previously occupied by the light automotive training centre and the gym used to be in a classroom.
The automotive trades training was moved into a purpose-built $16 million facility last year and the demand for sports and fitness courses has increased at SWIT.
The minister said the $900,000 refurbishment created a new custom-designed fitness centre, four times the size of its previous space.
It included new classrooms, a staff office and an outdoor area, as well as $40,000 worth of training equipment.
She said the 300 students enrolled in courses at SWIT were second to none and having these facilities was a vital part of their learning.
Mrs Harvey said the refurbishment also made space available for resources training and surveying-related courses.
"We need good strong industry partnerships to keep our young people in jobs in the future," Ms Harvey said.
During her visit to the campus, the Minister also acknowledged the institute's new Apprenticeship and Traineeship Support Centre.
Servicing apprenticeships and traineeships, the centre is a one-stop-shop based in Bunbury, with personnel dedicated to employer and employee training and support services.
