¶ COMMERCIAL Dive Academy is building towards starting operations in Collie in February.
The Tasmania-based operator received a WA Government grant of $572,000 via the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund last year to establish a permanent school in Collie, providing occupational training.
The training will be delivered at Lake Kepwari, which provides suitably deep water and shelter.
Managing director Alan Strong said the business has been progressing towards delivering its first course on February 10.
“It’s full already,” Mr Strong said. “We will have the 12 students on that course, as we’re only doing 12 for the first two courses.”
The academy will use the courses to address any teething issues and from there cater for 18 students at a time.
“The first year we will have approximately 60 students, and then 120 in the second year and 180 in the third year,” Mr Strong said.
Three courses have recently been held at Lake Kepwari as part of the company’s initial preparations.
Students will be able to gain Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme certifications, paving the way for careers in the scientific, aquaculture, construction and salvage sectors.
The funding has allowed for the purchase of equipment, some of which is currently being stored in Bunbury.