Iron-ore major Fortescue has opened a new "Power Up" training centre in Perth to build the electrical workforce needed to electrify its Pilbara operations.

The company determined it would need about 1 800 electricians at the peak of its decarbonisation programme, which shows the growing demand for electrical and battery-electric skills across the mining sector.

The purpose-built facility will provide apprentices and tradespeople practical, hands-on training in electrical, mechanical and emerging technologies, through a dedicated workshop and classroom facilities.

Fortescue is undertaking one of the world’s largest mining electrification programmes, transitioning more than 800 pieces of heavy mobile equipment and 3 000 light vehicles.

The company currently has 120 electrical apprentices and has doubled its intake for the second consecutive year. More than 700 fitters are undertaking battery-electric awareness training, while more than 150 tradespeople have already been upskilled in battery-electric vehicle maintenance.

Fortescue will deliver its electrical apprenticeship programme at the Power Up training centre with South Metropolitan TAFE providing the accredited curriculum and qualifications. Fortescue will also deliver battery-electric vehicle post-trade training for mechanical tradespeople, with North Metropolitan TAFE providing the accredited curriculum and qualifications.

Fortescue Metals CEO Dino Otranto says it became clear during the company's drafting of its decarbonisation plans that the biggest challenge was not technology but making sure there were enough skilled people for installation, maintenance and operation.

“We realised we couldn't simply hire our way out of the problem. We needed to help create the workforce, and that's exactly why we've built the Power Up training centre.

"Through our partnerships with South Metropolitan TAFE and North Metropolitan TAFE, we're creating more pathways into electrical trades while helping existing workers build the skills needed to support battery-electric technologies," Otranto states.

Western Australia Skills and Training Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson welcomed the announcement, saying large companies should be playing a bigger role in training Western Australians.

“Currently, small and medium enterprises help train the vast majority of the State’s apprentices.

“The Power Up training centre shows how Western Australia’s world class resources companies can step up to the plate and invest in the future of our skilled workforce.”

Western Australia Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael adds that Fortescue’s new Power Up training centre in Belmont is a powerful example of partnership in action and what can be achieved when government, training providers and industry work together to address future workforce needs.

“Fortescue has made a significant investment in building this centre, and its collaboration with our TAFE sector is ensuring that training delivered here is nationally recognised, high quality, and aligned to industry needs.

“I look forward to seeing the impact this training centre will have in developing the skilled workforce that will help drive Western Australia's future prosperity.”