Supporting disadvantaged youth to prepare them for the workforce

• Re-elected Cook Labor Government will commit $100,000 to Motivation Foundation’s South West Academy
• Foundation helps to develop skills in disadvantaged young people to prepare them for the workforce
• Reflects WA Labor’s commitment to providing good employment pathways and opportunities for young Western Australians

A re-elected Cook Labor Government will provide a $100,000 grant to the Motivation Foundation’s South West Academy at the WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie.

The not-for-profit foundation targets young people from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds across the State to engage with training in civil construction and mining operations, supporting them to enter the workforce.

Motivation Foundation has supported over 160 young people from Collie, Bunbury, Australind, Eaton, Bridgetown and Manjimup through the program and has a huge success rate of 90 per cent of graduates entering the workforce from their program.

Around 35 students are set to join the 2025 intake from the South-West.

Having outgrown their current temporary training area, the $100,000 in funding from WA Labor will support the foundation to relocate to a bigger area within the WesTrac site to cater for the growth in student enrolments.

WesTrac is also providing in kind support including heavy diesel plant machinery, land and training space at their Collie facility.

The announcement reflects WA Labor’s commitment to providing opportunities and pathways for all young Western Australians to enter the workforce and set themselves up for a good future.

Comments attributed to Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti:

“Training can change lives, and that's why WA Labor is committed to ensuring everyone has access to vocational training opportunities, regardless of the barriers they may face.

“The Motivation Foundation does incredible work supporting young people right across the State, and what’s particularly impressive is their success rate, with around 90 per cent of graduates going on to be employed within six months of graduating from the program.

“This funding from WA Labor is reflective of our commitment to supporting all young people into the workforce and setting them up for a bright future with good employment prospects.”

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:

“As a former Deputy Principal at Collie Senior High School, I witnessed firsthand the difference that Motivation Foundation has made in the lives of many young people.

“I saw the opportunities created by this fantastic organisation for some of our most vulnerable youth, which has changed the trajectory of many young people and their families’ lives.

“Gaining the skills needed to join the workforce is one of the surest ways to change the lives of young people.”