Funding boost for future students

Future automotive students at the South West Institute of Technology will benefit from a boost of more than $13 million in this year’s State Budget set aside for a new workshop.

The substantial funds will help build the South West Centre for Automotive Technology at SWIT’s Bunbury campus, which will house the new training facilities.

Picture by David Bailey: Apprentice heavy duty diesel mechanic Marcus Jackson

Since the introduction of the heavy vehicle programs, student enrolments have grown dramatically from 207 students in 2002 to 334 in 2010.

Marcus Jackson is a third-year apprentice heavy duty diesel mechanic and said he would look for work on mines in WA’s north after graduating from SWIT.

The aspiring stand-up comic and Collie Eagles midfielder has a Wesfarmers’ apprenticeship and said he had enjoyed stripping engines and learning engine management.

The new facility will become the home of SWIT’s heavy duty and plant mechanics and equipment including a simulation system.

SWIT also hopes the new centre will support partnerships with local employers and host industry and technical updates and post-trade training.

The high number of young students enrolling in automotive training will fill places in the growing mining, forestry and transport industry.

The centre is expected to be completed for the start of the 2013 academic year.