The National Drilling and Well Control Program is a joint venture between the School of Petroleum Engineering at the University of New South Wales and the International Association of Drilling Contractors.

"The university's leading training facility offers students a highly stimulating study environment," Tarabay said.

"For instance, a newly installed rig-floor drilling and well-control simulator is capable of perfectly simulating real-life drilling operations.

"This program is the only one of its kind in Australia and the South-East Asia region."

The program was launched yesterday by WA Resources Minister Francis Logan, who said the scheme would contribute to Western Australia's international reputation as a leader in oil and gas research and development.

"WA accounts for 67 percent of the national crude oil and 65 percent of gas production," he said.

"Due to the rapid current growth of the oil and gas industry in the state, the industry requires more specialists with expert knowledge."

Logan said the State Government aimed to make oil and gas skills training and education readily available to ensure WA's long-term economic prosperity.

The State Government also planned to establish WA as a subsea oil and gas centre of excellence, servicing Australia and the Asia Pacific region.