Training Minister Simone McGurk in Geraldton to relaunch Central Regional TAFE’s upgraded Master Class vessel

Central Regional TAFE’s new-look vessel, a “floating classroom” named Master Class, was unveiled this week after receiving a $2 million revamp to provide a first-class training environment and benefit the local maritime industry. Training Minister Simone McGurk launched the revamped training vessel on Thursday. It had been dry-docked since late last year. The vessel is used to provide students training for fishing boat operations, boating services and marine engine driving as part of TAFE’s Batavia Coast Maritime Institute. The works were completed by about 30 people working for Dongara Marine, and the upgrade included new engines, gear boxes, hydraulic systems, electrics, air-conditioning and navigational systems. The overhaul was part of a $243m State Government investment in TAFE facilities and equipment around WA. Ms McGurk said contemporary training facilities and equipment in the regions gave students the choice to stay where they lived to complete their training. “We want to train local people for the jobs that we know are out there,” she said. “We know we’ve got a very healthy job market at the moment, and our absolute priority is to train local people. “Not only will it be a great investment for the future, it’s a solid upgrade, but it means that when students are training across a whole lot of different vocational training areas through Central Regional TAFE, they have access to some of the industry-standard equipment. “I think 58 per cent of the State is covered by Central Regional TAFE, and its headquarters here in Geraldton does some fantastic work across a whole range of industries, whether it’s maritime and all the supporting work that is done by this vessel here in Geraldton, but also through health and allied areas, care sector, tourism, personal care, hairdressing — a whole range of different work that’s done.” Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton said it was exciting to see the Master Class refurbishment complete and the vessel back in the water and available to Central Regional TAFE students. “The first-class floating classroom will deliver many opportunities to students enrolled in marine tourism, coastal conservation and marine studies,” she said.