Residents from across the Dandenong Ranges will receive the training they need for rewarding jobs with the opening of a new $10.2 million TAFE trade training centre funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today launched the Lilydale Nallei Jerring Nyerboing Trade Centre, which was named in consultation with Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Doreen Wandin-Garvey and means ‘Join Unite Industrious’.
The state-of-the-art facility at Box Hill Institute of TAFE features workspaces that can change and adapt to match the industry, including versatile ‘pods’ that replicate real-life construction sites. It also includes classrooms, meeting rooms and other amenities.
Students will gain cutting-edge carpentry, electrical and plumbing training that prepares them for the workforce. Importantly, they will gain an insight into other trades to help foster more collaboration between workers onsite.
The Lilydale Trade Centre was designed to give locals better access to high quality training and to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled workers, particularly in the sustainable construction and new energy sectors.
Classes began at the centre this month – with places for up to 965 students each year, through a mix of apprentices, pre-apprentices and short-course students. There will be even more training options for locals, with stronger connections to school students, a new Indigenous apprenticeship program and support for women to take-up trades. Opportunities will also be made available to external students through partnerships with GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE.
Graduates will have more streamlined access to in-demand jobs on some of Victoria’s most exciting projects, overseen by Apprenticeships Victoria. The new body will be a point of contact supporting apprentices and industry.
May Constructions built the Lilydale Trade Centre using more than 90 per cent Australian materials. The construction process created more than 400 jobs, including 27 apprenticeships.
Box Hill Institute’s Lilydale Lakeside Campus has flourished since the Labor Government reopened it after it was shut by the previous Liberal Government. It has reinvigorated the higher education sector in the Yarra Valley and has provided easier access to training for local students.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested to rebuild TAFE, refurbish campuses, launch Free TAFE for Priority Courses and support disadvantaged students into training and jobs. The 2021/22 Victorian Budget includes a $383.8 million investment in the sector to ensure more Victorians get the training they need for in-demand jobs.
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This new state-of-the-art facility will be a gateway for local students between high quality training and in-demand jobs in their region – it’s just another example of our unprecedented investment in the skills and training sector.”
As stated by Member for Monbulk James Merlino
“Since coming to government we’ve been providing Victorians with the best possible training opportunities – this project will have a huge impact on training, jobs and the economy locally and across the state.”
