North Metropolitan TAFE and South Metropolitan TAFE unveiled some of their resources, Defence and space industry technologies during the Resources Technology Showcase at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The two TAFEs teamed up to provide an interactive experience of some of the high-tech equipment in their training arsenal, including one of 16 new augmented reality welding simulators (pictured).
The simulators support the delivery of fabrication apprenticeships at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Naval Base campus, enabling students to learn welding skills in a controlled and safe environment.
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said the simulators would help to equip the future welding workforce for the rapid scale-up of Defence and shipbuilding projects in the State.
“The Mobile CUT Mine was also on display, which is a mini replica of the unique simulated underground CUT Mine located at North Metropolitan TAFE’s Perth campus,” Ms Ellery said.
“It is used to expose students to a real underground mine environment prior to gaining employment.”
She said other TAFE technology featured at the Resources Technology Showcase included programmable mobile robot trucks called mBots, and drones used for site inspections, surveillance and thermal imaging for asset maintenance and stockpile analysis.
In addition there was a robot arm and a smart factory, simulating the robotic technology used in factories.
“It was quite remarkable seeing at firsthand our State’s technological capabilities and the innovation keeping the WA training system at the forefront of industry innovation,” Ms Ellery said.
“With automation in the Defence and resources industries increasing, the Government’s support for TAFE provides students with the best training you can get.”
