en.Wedoany.com Reported - The New South Wales Government is investing $2.5 million to upgrade training facilities at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park, aiming to cultivate a skilled workforce for the state's freight, transport, and manufacturing industries, thereby strengthening manufacturing capabilities in Western Sydney.

This funding will be used to build new and upgrade existing infrastructure on campus, including a covered outdoor learning area for hands-on training in vehicle manufacturing, disassembly, and assembly, as well as improvements to the engineering grinding workshop, with updates to extraction systems and safety facilities. In a press release, the government stated that this investment is in response to the projected nearly 80% increase in road freight demand by 2050 and the labor pressures facing specialized industries. The government also noted that nearly half of Australia's body builders are aged 45 and over, making it more urgent to train new entrants in the manufacturing and heavy vehicle sectors.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car, said the investment is part of broader efforts to support training pathways linked to major infrastructure and industrial projects. Car stated: "The Minns Labor Government is investing in modern TAFE facilities in Western Sydney, including at Wetherill Park, to ensure local students have access to the training opportunities they need for long-term success. This training investment is supported by our generational investments in projects like Western Sydney Airport, creating high-skilled jobs for locals so they can work close to home."

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Higher Education, Steve Whan, said these upgrades will strengthen manufacturing and transport skills development while preparing students for emerging technologies. Whan stated: "The NSW freight industry underpins our economy. We need a steady pipeline of skilled workers who can build, maintain, and repair trucks, trailers, and heavy vehicles to keep our state moving. These upgrades will enhance specialist training at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park while exposing students to emerging technologies shaping the future of transport."

The plan also includes a partnership with clean energy company Pure One, which will provide a hydrogen-powered electric prime mover worth $780,000 for training. This vehicle will be used to expose students to hydrogen fuel, battery electric, and traditional propulsion systems as part of evolving manufacturing and transport technologies. Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott, said the investment helps maintain local training capacity to meet industry needs. McDermott stated: "TAFE NSW Wetherill Park has a long history of training skilled tradespeople, and this investment will ensure local students continue to access high-quality facilities close to home. From heavy vehicle manufacturing to emerging clean transport technologies, these upgrades will help students gain the practical skills the industry needs now and in the future."

Construction of the new outdoor learning area is expected to begin in mid-2026, with engineering upgrades scheduled for completion in 2027. This investment complements the broader $54 million commitment to the TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Western Sydney at Wetherill Park.

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