The $13 million Australian Centre for Energy and Process Training (ACEPT) at Henderson is expected to be completed in late 2006. Hosted by Challenger TAFE and funded by the Australian National Training Authority Infrastructure Program, the centre will offer nationally recognised courses for 350 entrants a year.

APPEA director Don Sanders said the upstream oil and gas industry was experiencing a strong growth in WA and ACEPT would provide a focal point for companies looking for training facilities for their growing workforces.

“As ACEPT is a joint initiative between this industry and the WA Government, APPEA members can be assured that the training will be relevant, innovative and delivered to nationally accredited competency based standards,” Sanders said.

“The need for competent, highly skilled and knowledgeable workers is fundamental to the success of the oil and gas industry, and the opportunities for young people wishing to enter an industry with a very bright future will be greatly enhanced through ACEPT.”

But Sanders also said that anyone interested in entering the industry need not wait for ACEPT to be built, as APPEA currently had a training centre in Subiaco.

“The upstream oil and gas industry is increasing its intake of apprentices in electrical instrumentation and production operation trainees via a group apprenticeship scheme,” Sander said.

“The industry is also undertaking measures to ensure there are enough professionals with research and development expertise to complete the full skills set required.”

People interested in upstream oil and gas industry career paths can examine the Petroleum Industry Career Guide on the APPEA website at http://www.appea.com.au/edusite/ .