WA’s electrical workforce receives funding boost

The WA Government is investing in TAFE training and facilities to strengthen the future workforce.

A recent $300,000 upgrade at North Metropolitan TAFE’s Balga campus has expanded the Capstone testing facility, enabling more electrical students to complete the mandatory assessment for obtaining an electrician’s licence in Western Australia. This enhancement nearly doubles the campus’ testing capacity, helping apprentices and skilled migrants enter the workforce faster – critical to meet the workforce needs of the State’s construction sector and clean energy transition.

Passing the Capstone is essential for all electrical apprentices and overseas-trained electricians looking to obtain an electrician's licence to work in WA. This investment builds on the $51.1 million allocated for a Construction Skills Innovation Hub at the same campus, offering modern, industry-aligned learning environments.

Electrical trade qualifications are among more than 250 fee-free or low-cost TAFE courses promoted through the State Government’s “You can make it here” campaign, which emphasises affordable training and TAFE’s role in workforce development.

To advance clean energy training, the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (CESNCE) has launched an Applied Research Grant Program, providing up to $350,000 per project for scalable training solutions. WA TAFE colleges, in collaboration with industry, Aboriginal organisations, universities and Registered Training Organisations, can apply for projects focused on remote learning, First Nations education, and AI-supported delivery and assessment. CESNCE is a joint initiative of the Australian and WA Governments under the National Skills Agreement.