Jobseekers in regional and remote Victorian communities will have better access to training and career counselling, as GOTAFE hits the road in a repurposed semi-trailer thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today visited Nagambie to launch the Labor Government’s new $850,000 GOTAFE Mobile Campus and Skills and Jobs Centre, housed in a fit-for-purpose semi-trailer that will visit places in north-east Victoria with limited or no direct access to TAFE and training.
The mobile centre is fully accessible, featuring a client reception area, private career counselling space, workshop and seminar space and a community computer lab.
The centre will supplement GOTAFE’s bricks and mortar offering by catering for 200,000 additional northern Victorians within three years, including prospective students, jobseekers, industry and community groups, by reducing the need for them to travel long distances or relocate for the services they need.
Two new staff members will join GOTAFE’s team to provide skills and training, career counselling and advice, personal and professional development workshops, and access to other support services including financial, housing and counselling.
Bendigo Kangan Institute currently has a mobile service and more will soon be operated by SuniTAFE to deliver vital training and employment services in regional and remote communities across the Mallee region.
The Labor Government has invested $667,000 to the project in partnership with GOTAFE and La Trobe University.
There are more than 30 Skills and Jobs Centre sites operated by TAFEs and training providers in Victoria, with the Government investing more than $16 million to provide expert advice and opportunities to Victorians.
Since 2014, the Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education so Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“Every Victorian deserves equal access to high-quality training and a pathway to the job they want, no matter where they live – and that’s what GOTAFE’s new Mobile Campus and Skills and Jobs Centre will deliver.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“This mobile campus will be a one-stop-shop for skills, training and career advice – reaching every corner of the North East and giving locals better access to our world-class training system.”
As stated by GOTAFE CEO Travis Heeney
“Our new purpose-built mobile campus will visit 13 local government areas in the next 12 months, engaging and supporting individuals to achieve their training and employment goals.”
