A fleet of mobile plant machinery has just arrived at TAFE NSW Broken Hill to help meet the high demand for machine operators across the region, particularly in the booming mining industry.

According to Labour Market Insights mining has experienced the second largest growth among industries in the Far West over the last five years, with jobs expected to grow a further 6% by 2026.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Civil Construction, Lindsay Griffith, said the equipment will allow TAFE NSW to meet the training needs of industry and improve employment outcomes for the community.

“We’ve taken delivery of a forklift, excavator, roller, loader and skid steer, which has enabled us to broaden our course offerings,” Mr Griffith said.

“We’ll be providing mobile training, which means we can bring the machines and training resources to our communities in the Far West including Broken Hill, Willcannia, Coomealla, Menindee and beyond.

“Industry stakeholders have expressed to us their desire for high-quality, job-ready workers so these new courses are a great opportunity for our community to upskill and step into local jobs.”

Broken Hill Cobalt Project Communications and Engagement Manager, Andrea Roberts, said they support the investment in mobile plant machinery for training purposes across Broken Hill and the Far West NSW region.

“This will aid in the development of skills required by our present and future workforce at the Broken Hill Cobalt Project.

“Additionally, the mobility of the training will broaden its reach, encouraging a greater number of people from the wider region to prepare for mining jobs and careers in the sector.”