- WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie receives its first international students
- Significant investment by the Cook Government has positioned Collie for a strong future
Regional Development Minister Don Punch has congratulated the WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie for achieving an exciting milestone, as it welcomes its first cohort of international students.
The visit by employees from Toromont Cat - the Caterpillar Dealer in Eastern Canada - marks another accomplishment for the cutting-edge training facility.
More than 500 students have enhanced their skills at the advanced training centre since it was officially opened in November 2020.
The arrival of the group from Canada is the first-time students have travelled from overseas to take up training following delays during the COVID pandemic.
The group is spending eight days in Collie, at the WesTrac Technology Training Centre, to complete the Command for Haul Service training for technicians who service, maintain and calibrate the technology layer on Caterpillar autonomous haulage trucks.
They will then spend four days training at WesTrac's head office in Guildford.
A grant of $2 million from the Collie Futures Fund helped to establish the training facility. A further $1 million in State Government funding has been allocated to expand the range of training services offered.
The Collie Futures Fund aims to diversify the region's economy to create more opportunities for local people, as the town transitions from emissions-intensive industries.
The Cook Government is continuing to work with the community and industry to set up Collie for a strong future, with local jobs for local people across a range of industries.
Comments can be attributed to Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Cook Government funding has attracted new industry to Collie - and these game-changers are setting up the community for a strong future.
"It's great to see Collie on the world map as a leader in autonomous technology training.
"The centre is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, has trained up hundreds from WA and wider Australia, and is now attracting people from overseas."
Comments can be attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"This is the first of what is expected to be many more training opportunities for international students.
"Collie is a great part of the world to be undertaking training - there are some incredible visitor attractions in the region like the Wellington Dam mega-mural and world-class network of adventure trail network.
"Most importantly, these international visitors will be supporting local accommodation and service providers boosting the local economy and supporting small businesses."
