$13 million technical training centre for Western Sydney

18 October 2007

 

Construction has begun on Integral Energy's $13 million state-of-the-art apprentice training centre in Western Sydney, Minister for Energy Ian Macdonald said today.

 

Mr Macdonald said the new training centre at Hoxton Park will provide important frontline job training and help deliver improved service levels to Greater Western Sydney.

 

"This is a major investment in the next generation of electricity workers," Mr Macdonald said.

 

"The purpose-built centre is expected to be one of the most advanced training facilities for electrical workers in Australia and will be ready from mid-2008.

 

"The new centre will also be the base for ongoing staff development, and will feature a simulated substation, covered electrical safety training area, lecture rooms and workshops.

 

"This important investment demonstrates the Government's commitment to ensuring the changing energy needs of this booming area will be met into the future."

 

Member for Macquarie Fields, Dr Andrew McDonald, said Integral Energy's apprentices training centre is a welcome investment for the local economy.

 

"It will be an immediate $13 million injection into Hoxton Park and will provide many flow-on effects to the local community," Dr McDonald said.

 

"The training centre will encourage and inspire young people in this area to apply for apprenticeships, especially when they can train close to home."

 

Integral Energy currently employs 179 apprentices, a record for the corporation.

 

Mc Macdonald said the centre will have the added advantage of being integrated into the corporation's day-to-day operations, by being close to Integral Energy's Hoxton Park Field Support Centre and West Liverpool transmission substation.

 

"It's also ideally located close to Miller TAFE where Integral Energy has an agreement for all its TAFE training requirements," Mr Macdonald said.

 

"An outdoor power pole training area will give apprentices an understanding of working on live electrical equipment.

 

"There will also be a covered cable jointing pit to allow training in wet weather and energy and water saving initiatives including a 180,000 litre water tank to store rainwater collected from the roof for use in the bathrooms and gardens," he said.