Young Western Australians will have thousands of opportunities to help deliver METRONET projects, and North Metro TAFE is developing courses to upskill them to make the most of these job opportunities.

Among the courses on offer, with the recently announced reduction in TAFE fees, include:

• Certificate II in Civil Construction;
• Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations; and
• Certificate III in Civil Construction. 

Beyond construction industry skills, from next year, the Midland TAFE campus will become a speciality METRONET Trade Training Centre, with upgraded workshops and new fabrication training equipment.

This specialist centre will provide the specific technical and support skills required for railcar manufacturing and rail network maintenance.

To ensure these courses meets the industry's short and long-term needs, yesterday (October 14), the METRONET 'Train of Thought' forum was held, bringing together industry stakeholders including railcar manufacturers, government and training industry representatives.

The day saw lots of enthusiasm and discussion on how this centre can support the ongoing needs of the rail network and giving young people a chance to be part of it.