Victoria University’s (VU) Sunshine campus has received a $1.5 million grant for cutting-edge machines to support the establishment of the Western Melbourne Precinct for Advanced Manufacturing Training.
The grant is part of the $21.8 million tranche two of the TAFE Technology Fund. Both tranches deliver $50 million to TAFES across the country to upgrade and expand their facilities, such as laboratories, workshops, new equipment and simulated learning environments.
Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor said this technology is vital to support skills training for advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs and a future made in Australia.
“TAFEs must be equipped to deliver the training to the standards expected by industry and students – and the TAFE Technology Fund does this by ensuring campus infrastructure is world class,” he said.
The technology fund investment builds on opportunities created through the fee-free TAFE initiative in an effort to respond to skills shortages in Australia.
More than 48,500 Victorian students enrolled in fee-free TAFE last year, including over 14,000 in dual sector providers like Victoria University.
Chelsea Valentine, who with her partner has the care of five children, is completing a certificate II at VU’s Sunshine campus in preparation for a plumbing apprenticeship.
“I love the work. It’s hands on and practical and I really enjoy problem solving,” Ms Valentine said.
“But there’s no way I could have done any retraining if it weren’t for the free courses.”
It was a similar story with Dave Lancaster, a former truck driver and now mature-age student studying IT and cybersecurity.
“I have always been really interested in computers and to have this chance to learn skills in an area where there are plenty of jobs is fantastic. I am so grateful for the opportunity,” he said.
Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino said it was clear that fee-free TAFE courses have been life-changing for so many people.
“Removing fees have clearly played a key role in encouraging people from all backgrounds back into training, and into areas where there is a high demand for workers,” he said.
“Moreover, Victoria University has long had innovative programs to attract and retain young people who have traditionally faced barriers to tertiary education so VU is a worthy recipient of this grant.”
