The New South Wales government has announced a new $2.5 million investment into the future of Western Sydney’s heavy vehicle workforce.
The state government will upgrade training facilities at the TAFE NSW site in Wetherill Park to help prepare the future skilled workforce to support the transport industry.
With road freight demand projected to grow by almost 80 per cent by 2050, the state government says it’s meeting increasing demand for specialist workers who build, maintain and repair the trucks, trailers and buses that keep goods moving.
“The Minns Labor government is investing in modern TAFE facilities across Western Sydney including at Wetherill Park to ensure local students can access the training opportunities they need for long-term success,” NSW deputy premier Prue Car says.
“This investment in training is being backed by our generational investment in projects like Western Sydney Airport, securing highly skilled jobs for locals so they can work close to home.”
The upgrades will deliver a new covered outdoor learning area to support hands-on training for vehicle manufacturing apprentices, as well as upgrades to the campus’ engineering grinding room.
The outdoor learning area will provide dedicated space for practical training involving heavy vehicle dismantling and assembly, while engineering upgrades will include new industry-compliant extraction systems and safety improvements.
The investment supports a specialist workforce at a time when almost half of Australia’s vehicle body builders are aged 45 years and over, highlighting the importance of training the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
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Apprentices will also be supported to upskill in emerging transport technologies through a collaboration between TAFE NSW and clean energy company Pure One, which has offered a hydrogen-powered electric prime mover truck valued at $780,000 for educational purposes.
The truck will give students exposure to next-generation heavy vehicle technology and demonstrate how hydrogen can be used as a zero-emissions energy source alongside battery electric and conventional vehicle systems.
Construction of the outdoor learning area is expected to commence mid 2026 with engineering upgrades scheduled for completion in 2027.
The investment builds on the NSW government’s $54 million investment in the TAFE NSW Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence – Western Sydney at Wetherill Park, strengthening the campus’ role in delivering the skilled workforce needed by manufacturing, engineering and transport industries.
“This investment is another example of the Minns Labor government rebuilding TAFE NSW and delivering the skills that work for Western Sydney,” NSW skills, TAFE and tertiary education minister Steve Whan says.
“The NSW freight industry underpins our economy. We need a pipeline of skilled workers who can build, maintain and service the trucks, trailers and heavy vehicles that keep our state moving.
“These upgrades will strengthen specialist training at TAFE NSW Wetherill Park while giving students exposure to emerging technologies that are helping shape the future of transport.”
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