Excellence: new co-op centre opens at uni

THE new Co-operative Centre for Excellence was opened at Federation University’s SMB campus last week.

The project is part of an effort by the State Government seeking to boost education, skills and innovation in Ballarat and was launched by the relevant minister, Gayle Tierney.

“This Centre of Excellence is a great example of government, universities, and industry working together to ensure regional areas have the highly skilled workers they need to fill great jobs,” she said.

“When we talk about hands on learning we often talk about apprenticeships and blue-collar types of work but this is actually hands on applied learning when it comes to white collar jobs and getting that sense of professionalism.

“I always talk about being on the balls of your feet and this will enable Ballarat and Ballarat businesses to be on the balls of their feet not just now but into the future.”

The centre includes learning and teaching spaces, research facilities, break out areas, recording pods, and focus group rooms, built with $9.5 million from the State Government.

The money came from the $350 million Higher Education State Investment Fund which seeks to support universities with applied research that helps Victoria’s economy.

The facility has high-tech audio and visual technology and can play host to community events, functions, and business meetings.

It is hoped the new building will also help with Federation University’s small group learning approach.

Fed Uni has a longstanding relationship with IBM and over 75 per cent of its Bachelor of IT students are employed by the company.

Federation University vice-chancellor Professor Duncan Bentley said he was happy with the new development.

“Thanks to the support of the Andrews Labor Government, Federation University has been able to create a state-of-the-art collaborative space that will bring students to the heart of Ballarat, where they can connect with business and industry to support the city’s prosperity,” he said.