THE new Co-operative Centre for Excellence has been opened at Federation University\u2019s SMB campus.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The money came from the $350 million Higher Education State Investment Fund which seeks to support universities with applied research that helps Victoria\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n
The facility has high-tech audio and visual technology and can play host to community events, functions, and business meetings.<\/p>\n
It is hoped the new building will also help with Federation University\u2019s small group learning approach.<\/p>\n
Fed Uni has a longstanding relationship with IBM and over 75 per cent of its Bachelor of IT students are employed by the company.<\/p>\n
Federation University vice-chancellor Professor Duncan Bentley said he was happy with the new development.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks 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\u2019s prosperity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE new Co-operative Centre for Excellence has been opened at Federation University\u2019s SMB campus. 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. \u201cThis Centre of Excellence is a great example of government, universities, and […]<\/p>\n