Central TAFE began as Perth Technical School in 1900.
The first enrolment of 69 students were attracted to a notice in the 'West Australian' newspaper advertising classes in Chemistry, Assaying, Metallurgy, Minerology, Geology, Woodwork, Metalwork and Carving. Art and Design classes for mechanical drawing were also offered, all at a 'moderate fee'.
Classes were held in the old Perth Boys’ School and a number of galvanised iron structures on St George's Terrace.
The year 1901 saw the commencement of evening classes, and by 1904, the school had an enrolment of 384 students. The following year the College began an affiliation with the University of Adelaide.
In 1914 the University of Western Australia (UWA) commenced classes on behalf of the University of Adelaide, therefore eliminating the need for some classes to be held at Perth Technical School. Some night classes continued and student enrolment numbers continued to climb.
A strong affiliation and a strong professional brotherhood remained between UWA and Perth Technical School, primarily due to the loan of equipment from the School's Department of Botany to the University.
During the next 30 years, the School faced many problems, including staffing shortages during the Depression, overcrowding and dilapidated buildings.
The year 1950 saw the Perth Technical School servicing its students in many different areas.
The College incorporated the Perth Boys’ School in James Street, a property that fronted onto Mounts Bay Road, and the Junior Technical School in Newcastle Street.
The post-war period also saw the introduction of many new courses associated with aircraft industry and automotive work to cater for ex-servicemen who had developed expertise in these fields.
In 1962 the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) was formed as another arm of ‘Perth Tech’ and the departments of Mechanics and Physics were moved to this site in Bentley. In 1967 the campus became an autonomous body, offering associateships and post-graduate diploma courses.
Central TAFE has played a significant role in the formation of the University of Western Australia, the Leederville Technical College, the Wembley Technical College (now both Central TAFE campuses), the Technical Extension Service, the Carlisle Technical College and Curtin University.
The College became the Central Metropolitan College of TAFE in 1990 following the amalgamation of colleges at Perth, Leederville, Wembley, Mt Lawley, the Claremont School of Art and the WA School of Nursing.
In 1996 legislation was passed giving all Western Australian TAFE Colleges autonomy from the WA Department of Training – devolving the entire TAFE system in WA.
With the incorporation of the Skills Development Centre (now the Centre for Business Solutions), the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Centre at East Perth (now eCentral) and Subiaco, Central TAFE became the largest TAFE college in the State, and one of the largest in Australia.
We are proud of the considerable role the College has played in shaping the State’s cultural and educational history and will continue to build a sustainable future, based on the philosophy of education and training designed to meet the needs of customers and key stakeholders.