Fostering next generation of workers

The Victorian Government will deliver a funding boost for South West TAFE to ensure construction and trades students have the tools they need to skill-up for Victoria’s construction workforce.

Vic Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney visited South West TAFE to announce the Victorian Government’s investment of more than $913,000 for new and upgraded equipment across its Portland, Warrnambool and Sherwood Park sites.

The investment will support the purchase of tools including saws, scaffolding, milling machines, lathes, guillotines, welders as well as minor maintenance to the student workshops such as painting and furnishing.

The new tools will be used by students in certificate and short courses including Engineering, Plumbing, Carpentry and Cabinet Making, fostering a pipeline of skilled workers for Victoria’s growing construction and trade sector.

South West TAFE supports almost 1400 apprentices and trainees, along with 500 apprentices, pre-apprentices, VET Delivered to Secondary Students, and post-trade students.

The investment is part of a $2 million package for the Western District under the Victorian Government’s $12 million TAFE Equipment and Facilities Fund, announced in the Victorian Budget 2020/21 and overseen by Apprenticeships Victoria.

Since 2014, the Victorian 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 careers.

Source: Vic Government