The $5.6 million specialist METRONET Trade Training Centre at North Metropolitan TAFE's Midland campus has entered the next phase, with works on the $4.6 million Stage 2 section underway.

The project will deliver Western Australia's first dedicated public facility to support training for jobs in the rail industry and meet the diverse training needs of the METRONET Program.

Stage 2 includes building a dual-track level crossing, including a maintenance track and crossover, a standalone Signalling Equipment Room to enable hands-on training in using and maintaining signal equipment, and a section of rail line for training in maintenance of various gauges of rail.

Once completed, the Centre will upskill workers for:
•    building and maintenance of the METRONET network and rail rolling stock
•    rail operations and signalling to support WA's wider rail networks.

The new facility will provide local training for METRONET projects, which are building thousands of local jobs.
 
Stage 1 works, completed in October 2020, included the creation of rail signalling workshops and introduction of electrical rail signalling qualifications to complement the range of engineering qualifications supporting METRONET manufacturing and maintenance.
 
Stage 2 is expected to be completed towards the end of 2022, with training set to commence in the new facilities early next year.