The state government of Western Australia has penned a new training deal with the Chartered Institute of Technology (CIT), Sage Technology and Woodside to increase skills and safety in the energy sector.

Among the key aims of the extensive training deal will be to address critical skills and manpower shortfalls in the Australian oil and gas industry, as well as helping to avoid hazards immanent to the industry.

Speaking to Western Australia Business News, training and workforce development minister Peter Collier commented: "This is an excellent example of a successful collaboration between the public and private sectors and demonstrates that training in WA is becoming increasingly responsive and adaptable to the needs of industry."

Western Australia's gas industry is set to receive a major boost as the multibillion-dollar Gorgon project gets underway in offshore waters.

The project, run by Chevron, was approved in September 2009, with the first phase expected to cost $37 billion.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development