Cutting-edge machines to train WA defence industry workers now at Rockingham TAFE

Students and the defence industry have received a major boost with the installation of new state-of-the-art machinery at South Metropolitan TAFE's Rockingham campus.

Four new computer numerical control (CNC) milling and lathe machines have been unveiled which will enable students to train on the latest equipment used by the defence industry to manufacture parts with exceptional precision and efficiency.

South Metropolitan TAFE students will use the modern CNC machines to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing components for key defence maritime trades.

The new machines were funded as part of an $18 million McGowan Government investment in growing the State's defence workforce capabilities.

They are being used to teach apprentices programming, setting and operation of the latest CNC equipment with multi-axis and ferrous and non-ferrous materials, and can also support training in making components for a range of other industries.

Benefits of this game-changing technology for industry include its potential to produce larger quantities of parts with less manual labour while reducing risk of human error or injury. 

It can also reduce the time required to machine important parts (for example, a pump shaft for a vessel of any size or shape) by up to 50 per cent.

"My Government continues to invest in training local people so they have the skills needed for defence and other priority industries," Premier Mark McGowan said.

"These new state-of-the-art CNC machines will support training in blue collar trades needed for the maritime defence industry.

"Providing TAFEs with modern equipment for students to train on, and prepare for a seamless transition to the workforce, is crucial to support the reskilling and upskilling of veterans, existing defence workers and new entrants to the industry."

The investment also enables South Metropolitan TAFE to deliver post-trade training in advanced CNC operations and programming above Certificate III level.

This includes delivery of two of seven new low-fee Defence Ready Skill Sets that the State Government has made available to help make existing workers defence-ready.