By LIAM DURKIN

 

A NEW training facility will ensure locals have the skills they need for the region’s renewable energy future.

The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) has opened an education and training centre in Morwell.

The location means local CFMEU members can access training for free, rather than travelling to Melbourne to attain the tickets needed to work on various job sites. Non-union members can also use the new Morwell facility, at cost.

Of most prevalence is the energy sector, and it is hoped the new training centre will mean locals are able to find and keep work at the regions power stations.

The training centre sits on a spacious site, and is fully equipped to provide forklift and crane driving sessions, as well as confined space and hoist compliance.

Additionally, an upstairs classroom means students can learn face-to-face, rather than simply the ‘tick and flick’ of an online system.

It is envisaged the training provided will mean workers are fully equipped to deal with anything that may come their way on-site.

First look: The facility offers a plethora of skills and training opportunities for locals.
Photograph supplied

The facility was officially opened last Wednesday (September 3), with a host of union officials on hand to mark the occasion.

CFMEU National Secretary, Zach Smith joined local organiser Brendan Mizzi, along with Plumbers Union National Secretary, Earle Setches and Gippsland Electrical Trades Union organiser, Peter Mooney in declaring the centre open.

Latrobe City Yallourn Ward Councillor, Steph Morgan was also present, and praised the opening as a critical step to ensuring jobs remained local.

The centre has been fully fitted out by the CFMEU, meaning the unity members feel at work begins long before they even step foot onto a job site.

The CFMEU education and training centre is located at 11-15 Chickerall Street, Morwell.

For more information, email: training@cfmeu.edu.au