A NEW specialist training facility is the centrepiece of a $10.3 million expansion delivered by the state government at the historical Muresk Institute in Northam, marking a new era of training at the facility.

For almost a century, Muresk Institute has been the home of agricultural training in Western Australia. Located on a working farm, it ensures industry-driven education and training opportunities are available to meet demand for skilled workers.

The Agriculture Machinery Training Centre modernises and expands Muresk Institute’s facilities, and apprentices completing a certificate III in agricultural mechanical technology through Central Regional TAFE are to be the first to train in the new workshops, classrooms and information technology laboratories.

Muresk and Central Regional TAFE worked closely with industry in developing the apprenticeship to help meet demand for skilled technicians and mechanics.

Once trained, qualified technicians will service all types of agricultural machinery across WA’s broadacre farming industry, with trade skills for mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, precision equipment and braking systems.

A new $800,000 industry-standard shearing shed was also recently completed at the institute, providing students with high-quality training in wool handling and shearing.

The state government has also delivered two state-of-the-art combine harvester simulators and a range of other agricultural machinery options, offering a realistic farm experience in a training environment. Regional WA commercial builder ACorp Construction Pty Ltd carried out the majority of construction, while another regional WA company, GBSC Yurra, built the new shearing shed.

Premier Roger Cook said his government was committed to ensuring training is accessible to all Western Australians, including those in regional areas.

“We’re committed to diversifying our economy, building on the Diversify WA strategy – and key to that is delivering modern training for modern industries. This new specialist training facility is a fantastic example of the government working together with industry to help meet demand for skilled workers.

“Students will benefit from world-class learning environments in Muresk’s new facilities, which will produce skilled workers for WA’s vital agricultural industry and help to maximise efficient and effective farming practices to stay competitive internationally.”

Training Minister Simone McGurk said for almost a century, Muresk Institute has been synonymous with agricultural training in Western Australia. This investment not only demonstrates our commitment to the agricultural industry but will ensure our training in the sector thrives in the twenty-first century.

“The new facilities have been designed following extensive industry consultation, ensuring students will be job-ready once their training is complete.

“These state-of-the-art facilities and equipment are the culmination of a strong partnership between the agricultural machinery industry, Central Regional TAFE and Muresk Institute to lift the quality of training for agriculture machinery apprentices in WA.”

Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said primary industries are increasingly adopting innovative technology and the modernised training facility at the Muresk Institute in Northam will help foster our farmers of the future, encouraging bright, enthusiastic and curious minds into the industry.

Multi-million dollar agricultural training facility opens at Muresk