Funding boost to FedTAFE

A MULTI million dollar funding boost at Federation TAFE is aiming to give aspiring tradies more access to state-of-the-art training facilities and courses in Ballarat.

Plans to upgrade facilities and expand teaching floor space at Federation’s Ballarat and Mount Helen campuses were unveiled last week during a site visit by the Member for Eureka Michaela Settle and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett.

The $6.1 million funding will go to FedTAFE’s plumbing, building and construction training facilities in order to offer the latest technology, providing future tradies from across the region the best possible start to their careers.

Work is also underway to scope upgrades to renewable energy and automotive facilities with a focus on electric vehicles.

The funding boost is part of a $11.1 million investment to upgrade regional TAFEs with The Gordon in Geelong and South West TAFE also receiving funding.

“This State Government investment will improve access to local training and create job opportunities in key industries including renewable energy, engineering, agriculture, construction, education, and healthcare,” said Vice-Chancellor and Federation University president Professor Duncan Bentley.

“Federation University looks forward to working with the Victorian Government to implement these important budget measures.

“This investment ensures Federation TAFE has the student places and infrastructure needed to support the Central Highlands’ growth and economic aspirations.”

A statement from the State Government said officers are working closely with regional TAFEs and industry to create accessible pathways into the most in-demand trades across Victoria.

Ms Settle said the Ballarat region had a proud history of trades and a bright future ahead.

“This funding is all about backing our local tradies of tomorrow with the best possible training today,” she said.

“By expanding and upgrading Federation University’s facilities at Ballarat and Mount Helen, we’re ensuring our students get hands-on experience with the latest technology – from plumbing to building, and even the fast-growing field of electric vehicles.”

State Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney hailed free TAFE as a gamechanger, with more than 200,000 students, including 50,000 across regional Victoria, saving on average $3000 per course.

“This $11.1 million investment in regional TAFEs is about giving the next generation of builders, electricians and mechanics in regional Victoria access to world-class training and real pathways into local jobs,” she said.