HUNDREDS of TAFE students at Dubbo and across the state's west will benefit from equipment donated to the institute by Evolution Mining this week.
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Eight light vehicles, a fire truck and four generators were presented to TAFE Western Institute director Kate Baxter on Thursday, who said the donation would enhance training for an estimated 600 students each year.
"One of the things that really differentiates TAFE training from other training is it's practical, it's hands on but to do that our students need to work on equipment that's relevant in the industry they're training in," Ms Baxter said.
"Today our students have got access to a whole range of new resources, and not just the students here in Dubbo but students also in Broken Hill, in Bathurst and also in Orange."
Year 11 and 12 students enrolled in TVET subjects through automotive centres, including at Coonamble, Warren, Gilgandra, Wellington, Nyngan and Dunedoo, will also benefit from the equipment.
Evolution Mining senior social responsibility advisor Elliot Willemsem-Bell said the company chose to give the equipment, which was used at the Lake Cowal site, a new life through TAFE.
"We had some surplus equipment out at Lake Cowal and it's important the students have access to the best equipment available," Mr Willemsen-Bell said.
"This is where the next generation of employees come from. If we're going to expand and employ more people we want to know they have received the best training available.
"When they do get their qualifications, employers like Evolution will know they're equipped to work with the kind of equipment we use."
