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The Western Australia government has launched a new advertising blitz highlighting the career pathways made possible through TAFE, with Western Australians encouraged to consider skilling, upskilling or re-skilling to support WA’s growing and diversifying economy.
“You Can Make It Here” recognises the vital role of fee-free and low-fee TAFE in delivering a skilled workforce and achieving the government’s priorities, particularly as it relates to AUKUS, which will in the coming years support 10,000 jobs at a new defence manufacturing precinct at Henderson.
It coincides with the end of the school year, when many young people are considering study options for 2026.
“You Can Make It Here” features current students and showcases how Western Australians can build a successful and rewarding career through TAFE and take advantage of hundreds of fee-free or low-fee courses.
That includes several defence-related courses, including Certificate IV in cyber security; advanced diploma of cyber security; Certificate IV in electronics and communications; Certificate IV in engineering (instrumentation); diploma of engineering - technical; and advanced diploma of engineering technology - electrical.
There are also several low-fee courses available to students at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Naval Base campus, which was opened under the WA Labor government in 2019, including Certificate III in engineering - composites trade; Certificate III in engineering - fabrication trade (boiler making/welding); and Certificate III in marine craft construction.
This campus houses the delivery of heavy fabrication, marine fabrication, welding and composite apprenticeship training with a large focus on Western Australia’s growing shipbuilding industry.
The workshops at Naval Base campus have been designed specifically with training in mind.
The campus features a state-of-the-art fabrication workshop consisting of 45 welding bays which have been constructed and equipped for multi-use, as well as a machine shop, electrical workshop and supporting classrooms.
“My goal is to grow Western Australia’s defence industry so we can create more jobs and diversify our economy,” Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said.
“US and UK nuclear-powered submarines will soon forward operate from HMAS Stirling at Garden Island, with tens of billions of dollars set to be invested in a new defence precinct at Henderson.
“When completed, WA will be home to the biggest naval maintenance hub in the southern hemisphere and support 10,000 jobs – which is why our government is continuing to invest heavily in TAFE.
“Between supporting fee-free and low-fee TAFE, opening new defence-focused campuses, and investing in incentives for employers to recruit apprentices, our government is doing everything it can to build the workforce of the future as AUKUS continues to come to fruition.”
The WA government is continuing its investment in TAFE and training to ensure WA remains the strongest economy in the nation, including through the $11.5 million AUKUS Defence Industry Incentive.
The incentive provides defence industry employers with up to $20,000 for each apprentice they take on in one of four trades, including Certificate III in engineering - fabrication trade (known as boiler making/welding); Certificate III in engineering - mechanical trade (known as fitting/machining); Certificate III in engineering - industrial electrician; and Certificate III in electrotechnology electrician.
TAFE will accept Semester 1 2026 applications until 6 February 2026, with the deadline for competitive courses extended to 14 November 2025.
“Only the Cook Labor government is providing vocational education and training with the recognition and investment it deserves,” Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“We’ve delivered 22 major upgrades of TAFE campuses across the state, in the largest TAFE capital works program in WA’s history to create world-class learning facilities for the city, the regions and remote WA.
“Our record investment is working. TAFE is delivering job-ready graduates for our growing economy to service sectors including building and construction, defence, clean energy and health.”
