MAJOR UPGRADES AT FEDERATION TAFE, SUPPORTING JOBSEEKERS
The Andrews Labor Government will refurbish Federation TAFE’s training restaurant and invest in Australia’s first apprenticeship for wind turbine blade technicians, under a raft of investments to provide better training options for Ballarat jobseekers.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today visited Federation TAFE to announce the investment, worth more than $2.1 million, headlined by a $750,000 upgrade to Prospects hospitality centre.
The investment is another step in the Labor Government’s plan to strengthen local TAFE and training, after the former Liberal National Government slashed $1 billion from the TAFE system, impacting course delivery and jobs at Federation TAFE.
The licensed restaurant will be entirely refurbished, and the kitchen upgraded, giving more than 100 commercial cookery, patisserie and hospitality students the chance to hone their skills in a modern, industry-standard training environment.
The Government is also investing more than $755,000 to deliver Australia’s first apprenticeship for wind turbine blade technicians. The course will be delivered at the 23-metre wind turbine training tower at the Mount Helen campus and prepare Victorian jobseekers for the booming renewable energy sector.
A further $370,000 will be invested to upgrade the Computer Numerical Control Machine for students in cabinet making, furniture making and joinery, $150,000 to modernise IT equipment in the carpentry classroom, $60,000 to purchase modern side-by-side vehicles and $40,000 to refurbish the glass house.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This investment will ensure Federation TAFE can continue providing the best training options to Ballarat jobseekers across hospitality, agriculture and renewables – and is preparing us for the skills we need now and into the future.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison
“We’re building on Ballarat’s reputation as a destination for world-class skills and training by ensuring TAFE graduates are ready to hit the ground running for in-demand jobs locally and right across Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle
“As we emerge from the pandemic, there’s a huge demand for highly-skilled workers across a range of industries including hospitality and agriculture, which is why we’re boosting training options for Ballarat locals.”
Quote attributable to Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley
“The funding will support our hospitality students into the workplace, with access to the same equipment they will be using when entering commercial cooking jobs.”
