 | In the lead up to the new millennium a major concern was whether computer systems would be able to cope as the clock turned to the year 2000. The use of computers has continued to expand into almost every facet of industry. Upgrading systems to remain relevant is a constant challenge for businesses, including training providers. |
| Instant information and service provision via the Internet has become a general expectation. Training is now regularly delivered on-line eliminating restrictions of time and place. |
|
 At the State level, increased population has lead to the process of urban
renewal. Through the Midland Redevelopment Authority (MRA), buildings and land once occupied by the Midland Railway Workshops are being
given new roles. The original Railways Institute and Technical School was one
of the first buildings to be restored as the office of the MRA. |
|
|  With an expected doubling of Midland's population,
the
College, under Managing Director Royce Standish who succeeded Dr Nic Gara in
1999 continued to liaise closely with local planning authorities and
community and industry groups to meet training needs.
|
| The State Training Board under the direction of Chairman John Rothwell of Austel Shipping stressed the importance of workplace learning opportunities to encourage initiative, efficiency, enterprise, problem solving and teamwork. The Worksmart project, in which Midland College participated, focused on hands on learning through a wide range of industry areas. National training packages also encouraged the integration of learning outcomes through meaningful work-based projects. |
| Midland College students extend training beyond the campus – not just through apprenticeships and traineeships, but through work experience, industry based projects and field trips. This often results in local employment. Lecturers also regularly go out to the workplace and community for literacy and bridging courses, vocational education for high schools and specialised industry training. |
|  Students take part in overnight field trips: Land Management students
visit salt affected areas of the State, Engineering students experience mine
sites and factories. Students are involved in interstate sporting
activities. In 2000 a gold medal for basketball was won in Sydney. |
| "Read Write Now" won the Community Services Industry Award: recognising best practice for valuing volunteers. The New Opportunities for Women (NOW) course which was conducted through the Foothills Learning Centre received the 2002 Highly Commended Award for Adult Learners. |
| Many of the graduates from NOW and the more advanced course of Women Into Technology (WIT) were award winners in mainstream courses at the 2003 Graduation ceremony. |
| Aboriginal art students successfully tendered for several major public art projects for which lecturers acted as mentors. A number of the participants have continued in this role upon graduating. |
| An Indigenous Strategic Plan was developed to assist Aboriginal students to access mainstream courses. |
| In 2003 despite opposition from the local community, Midland College of TAFE was amalgamated with other colleges including Thornlie, Balga, Bentley and Carlisle to become a campus of Swan TAFE. The Governing Council was disbanded and a new Swan TAFE Governing Council was formed. Royce Standish was moved to Joondalup and former Bentley Managing Director, Geof Gale was given the role of overseeing the implementation of Swan TAFE. Bentley became the main centre for administration, although plans to eventually locate the centre of Swan TAFE at the old Railways Workshop have been discussed. |
