Since 1993 the Skills Centre has grown to be the symbol of success in trade training by developing and providing skills in the Painting, Plumbing and Metals sectors of the building and construction industry.

This premier facility is a first for WA with the combination of modern and functionally designed premises, the latest industry technology and equipment, and up-to-date training.

The Centre's extra-ordinary interaction with employers, suppliers, manufactures, regulators and employees, has enabled industry to have direct involvement in the

delivery of training. No other facility is as well placed to meet the needs of this diverse industry, and as such the Centre continually develops and redefines benchmarks in training.

The Skills Centre began as an initiative of the Master Painters Decorators and Signwriters Association and the Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association, who had long recognised training as industry's doorway to the future. With a belief that industry growth should not be constrained by skill shortages and deficiencies, their concept of a central training venue grew to become a multi-million dollar industry focused and driven facility keenly supported by both Commonwealth and State Governments, and the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund. Today the Centre maintains a strong sense of industry ownership and has a stable operational base in its Management Committee, which is drawn from a successful synergy between employers, unions and the Government.

Since the Skills Centre inception, over 10,000 people have been trained. 65% have passed through the Centre proper, with the remainder making use of regional training programs - thus demonstrating the centre's success in providing flexible and adaptable training to meet changing skill requirements.

With its vision to be an industry-focused organisation committed to exceeding client expectations, the Centre offers numerous training programs through its three divisions Painting, Plumbing and Metals. It provides metropolitan and regional services and maintains a substantial mobile operation, all coordinated by highly motivated staff.

Courses include:

Entry level courses - pre-vocational, pre-apprenticeship and School to Work programs.
Post trade courses - covering licensing courses, up-skilling and refresher courses, and training in specific trade areas.
Personally tailored courses - developed to meet particular needs.

The Centre prides itself on a 10-day turn around time from the point of request and clarification of course content.

The delivery of licence courses and fully accredited training is an important Centre emphasis. It is a registered provider in:

Painting, Decorating and Signwriting.
Plumbing and Gasfitting.
General Building skills.
Roof Plumbing - including a joint venture arrangement with BHP and the Midland College of TAFE to provide apprenticeship training.
Welding.
National Restricted Electrical Licence.

Specifically, the Centre has a three-year contract from the WA Department of Training (WADT) for the delivery of Painters and Decorators Apprenticeships, and covers Painters' Registration Board subjects. It is also endorsed by the Water Corporation to provide both the Plumbing License and Backflow Prevention Training, and Alinta Gas has also engaged the Centre as its preferred provider of the Approved Gas Installer program.

The Centre continues to expand its training profile by fully supporting the introduction of User Choice and entry level learning such as the New Apprenticeship Training System and School To Work Transition. Post-trade courses include exploring new technology, computers for plumbing design, and related business management training.

Regional training initiatives are a high priority for the Centre's activities. It has a recognised training presence in most regional areas from Kununurra to Albany and Kalgoorlie. Access and Equity training programs which offer courses to minority groups and disabled peoples also demonstrate the Centre's commitment to providing training wherever and whenever it is required.

The Centre provides a range of Occupational, Health & Safety courses and has a number of employment programs exploring interview skills, the writing of resumes and job application techniques. As a result the MPA-Skills has achieved considerable success placing people in employment positions following training.

All training is competency based and delivered to government and industry standards by qualified staff who are in touch with industry needs and at the forefront of new technologies. These trainers, tradespersons and consultants are committed to achieving excellence within the organisation as well as in the industry, which they serve.

Sited in Maylands the MPA-Skills campus boasts three separate buildings uniquely positioned and appointed for maximum comfort and function during training. The Centre provides a workshop for painters and decorators, classrooms, and modern facilities for undertaking the National Restricted Electrical Licence (NREL).

Adjacent is the Plumbing and Gasfitting Workshop with classrooms and a separate external area for drainage activities. Further training rooms capable of accommodating groups of up to 20 people and a seminar room seating 80 are located in close proximity to the Centre's practical activity areas. All facilities are only a moment's walk to the administration hub, ensuring easy access and communications.

Off-site the Centre has premises in Durham Rd, Bayswater that houses the Metals Division. These courses cover a diverse range of modules including:

ABRASIVE BLASTING & INDUSTRIAL COATING COURSE

Airless Spray.
Powder Coating.
Paint Coating Inspection and Abrasive Blasting.
Hydro Blasting
Graffiti Removal

The MPA-Skills also has access to numerous training facilities throughout the State by utilising the premises of both business and other training organisations.

As the MPA-Skills assists the industry in establishing goals and strategies to keep pace with today's changing requirements, it is being keenly observed by industry groups and the Government as an important demonstration model for reform in the delivery of vocational education and training and as a model for national development.

The MPA-Skills has grown to be a valuable tool for the Painting, Plumbing and Metals sectors of the building and construction industry, and looks to a future where it continues to actively encourage members to aspire to excellence.

Having begun in 1993 with only 5 courses and with a strong Post-trade focus, the Division has evolved its training approach to now include

Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship and custom designed programs. Recognising that apprentices form an integral part of the industry's future the Division has undertaken to provide apprenticeship training through a partnership with the Western Australian Department of Training (WADI).

The Painting Division offers numerous courses and diverse modules over a wide subject range. As part of its ongoing commitment to cater for industry's growing needs, the Centre offers small business operators the opportunity to further develop their business acumen. It provides a series of business courses, which include costing and quoting, expanding knowledge of the trade and development of business skills, these courses satisfy the requirements of the Painters Registration Board (Act).

Courses may be tailored to meet individual employer needs and the Skills Centre prides itself on a 10-day turn around time from the point of request and clarification of course content. The courses may also be conducted at training sites around the state where sufficient demand exists. Training is competency based and delivered to government and industry standards by qualified staff who constantly monitors for effectiveness. Changes are implemented to meet industry needs, delivery requirements or in keeping with technological advancements. Most importantly, the Painting Division is committed to seeking industry input on course design and to receiving feedback.

Through the MPA-Skills the Painting Division is recognised as a quality training provider by WADT the Building and Construction Industry Training Council (BCITC) and the Australian Schools Traineeship Foundation (ASTE). With its central metropolitan location, established research and development resources and high quality professional training, the Painting Division is intent on addressing the Centre's Mission Statement "To Design, Market and Deliver Exceptional Vocational Training to Industry in Western Australia and Selected Markets".

Key Benifits Include;