TAFE NSW

A state-of-the art facility for training in the emerging green collar industry officially opened at TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute, Nirimba College in Quaker's Hill.

The Western Sydney GreenSkills Hub is a Living Laboratory designed to model sustainable practices and provide innovative training in the subject areas of green electrical engineering, plumbing, refrigeration and information technology.

The facility includes a community centre which will provide opportunities for the public to view, interact with and monitor the impact of green technologies.

The GreenSkills Hub, which also includes the EcoSkills Centre at Richmond College, was funded under the Federal Government's Training Infrastructure Investment for Tomorrow initiative.

Institute Director Susan Hartigan said that the new facilities were the first vocational education and training facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

"The GreenSkills Hub will be a boon to the new and emerging green skills industry and is also a demonstration of Western Sydney Institute's commitment to leading the way in environmental sustainability and to reducing its environmental impact."

"The facility features sustainable energy production and resources management, natural refrigeration systems and a high-tech Building Management System providing a seamless and integrated system for management of the facility," Susan said.

The facility was officially opened on November 1 by Federal Member for Greenway Ms Michelle Rowland MP and was attended by State Member for Riverstone John Aquilina MP. Project Architect Cathy Kubany was also present at the ceremony to discuss the technical features of the facility.

TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute provides more than 1,000 courses at local colleges throughout Western Sydney and by distance education. For more information go to wsi.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 870.