Gary Gray and Brendan O’ Connor with Matthew Sworder, a fourthyear electrical instrumentation apprentice.
Camera IconGary Gray and Brendan O’ Connor with Matthew Sworder, a fourthyear electrical instrumentation apprentice. Credit: Supplied/Elle Borgward

Training in focus

Katelyn Booth, Weekend CourierWeekend Kwinana Courier

Mr Bullock joined Brand MHR Gary Gray and Federal Opposition employment spokesman Brendan O’Connor in a visit to Southern Cross Electricial Engineering (SCEE).

Mr Bullock said the business was helping secure work for young Western Australians. SCEE training manager Mel Oliveri led the tour, highlighting the specialised electrical and instrumentation services available.

Mr Bullock said he was concerned about the significant trade shortage in WA.

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He said that the Government should redirect its focus on university education to trade apprenticeships.

‘There are too many people working in retail with university degrees behind them, and the reason for this is that there are no available vacancy’s in their chosen fields,’ he said.

‘On the other hand, international workers are being employed to work on our mines because there are not enough skilled workers here in WA.

‘Trade training centres like SCEE are providing wonderful opportunities and we need to support them,’ he said.

Mr Gray said the visit was planned to highlight the importance of local training centres.