• Major overhaul of Central Regional TAFE's maritime training vessel complete
• $2 million upgrade part of State Government's Rebuilding our TAFEs plan
• Delivers a first-class learning environment for maritime students and flow-on benefits to local employers and maritime industry

The State Government's $2 million refurbishment of Central Regional TAFE's Master Class maritime training vessel is complete.

The floating classroom is now ready to continue its important role of providing local TAFE students with a first-class industry-standard learning environment.

Minister for Training Simone McGurk MLA was at Geraldton's Fishing Boat Harbour today to welcome the vessel's return from dry-docking and the start of a new chapter for this valuable training asset for the local community.

The revamped Master Class will directly support local employers by providing skilled workers with industry relevant skills and boost opportunities for people in the Mid West region to train and work locally.

Local boat builder Dongara Marine completed a major overhaul of the vessel including new engines, gear boxes, hydraulic system, electrics, air-conditioning and navigational systems.

The project was funded by the State Government's record $243.3 million Rebuilding our TAFEs plan, delivering capital works projects to upgrade campuses across the State, including in regional Western Australia.

The plan also funded a $4 million Visual Arts and Creative Industries Hub that was opened at CR TAFE's Geraldton campus in 2022.

The Master Class is used to deliver maritime-related training through CR TAFE's Batavia Coast Maritime Institute, including in fishing boat operations, boating services and marine engine driving.

The vessel also supports on-water activities for components of other training programs including aquaculture, tourism, and coastal conservation and ecosystem management.

Comments attributed to Training Minister Simone McGurk:

"The $2 million revamp of the Master Class maritime training vessel is part of the State Government's largest ever investment to upgrade TAFE campuses across the State.

"It's so important to have contemporary training facilities and equipment in the regions, so locals can stay close to where they live and eventually work.

"Providing students with opportunities to have hands-on experience in real-life scenarios with the most up to date and industry relevant equipment means they'll be job ready for future employment opportunities.

"The revamped floating classroom will benefit the local maritime industry vital to Geraldton and the entire Batavia Coast for many years to come."

Comments attributed to Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:

"Central Regional Tafe is integral to training and upskilling in Geraldton and surrounding areas, so it's exciting to see that the refurbishment of Master Class is complete, and that the vessel is back in the water and available to students.

"I have seen firsthand how important it is for our students to have up to date equipment in a simulated work environment, so that they are better prepared and work ready for future employment.

"This first-class floating classroom will deliver many opportunities to students enrolled in marine tourism, coastal conservation and marine studies. It's a fantastic investment in the region's future."