Grant to boost South West training options

A number of South West businesses and communities are set to share in almost $1.2 million from the State Government with the latest round of Regional Economic Development grants.

The RED Grants program is a State Government initiative that invests in community projects that support efforts to create long-term economic growth and job sustainability in the WA regions.

A total of 15 recipients from the South West region will each receive funding from Round 3 of the business stimulus initiative.

The Apprentice and Traineeship Company will use its $81,250 to install electrical and gas instrumentation and equipment to train and upskill professionals to deliver commercial, heavy industrial, gas and renewable installation services in the South West.

“Currently we do pre-employment for electrical training and trade training and this funding will go towards building on that,” ATC manager Warren Cluff said.

“We do the post-trade industry, it’s training that’s not offered down here and it will give th electrical industry the option to do that training down here rather than have to go to Perth to do it.

“We’re hoping the flow-on effect will be that more apprentices picked up because there will be more activity in the industry.”

Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said she was pleased to be encouraging these enterprises.

“The RED Grants initiative is delivering transformational change to regional businesses throughout the State, generating sustainable jobs and flow-on benefits to local economies and communities,” she said.

“This year — like no other — has been one where regional businesses and communities have been challenged and now require certainty and confidence to take their endeavours to the next level to ensure continued viability and vitality.

“Congratulations to the South West RED Grant Round 3 recipients, we look forward to seeing your projects.”

The State Government has committed an additional $5 million to extend the RED grant program for another year, with a total of $33.8 million to be delivered to regional communities over the six years.