The Andrews Labor Government’s huge redevelopment of Bendigo TAFE has been unveiled, giving local jobseekers in the growing regional city more opportunities to get the skills they need for the jobs of the future.
Premier Daniel Andrews today visited Bendigo to officially open the $60 million project, which includes two new buildings, refurbished heritage buildings and the relocation of the Bendigo Technical Education Campus to the CBD.
The new precinct celebrates the site’s 165-year training legacy and paves the way for the next generation of workers to get the skills they need for jobs – both locally and across Victoria.
The new campus includes a new Learning Hub, a one-stop-shop for student training and job support, an Indigenous Education Centre and modern flexible teaching spaces where students can connect with industry and community.
The works have also opened the campus to the public, with better access to the TAFE restaurant and hair and beauty salon, giving students hands-on experience to hone their skills in their chosen fields.
The campus will open to students from 2022 in courses including health and community services, Indigenous support studies, business, hospitality and tourism, education, hair and beauty, creative industries and IT.
The redevelopment was designed by Architectus with Six Degrees Architects – led by a Bendigo TAFE graduate.
Construction was undertaken by Kane Nicholson Joint Venture and created 800 local jobs, including many local TAFE graduates as well as 13 apprentices from Bendigo TAFE who helped build their campus while studying.
The City Campus Revitalisation Project was funded through the Labor Government’s TAFE Facilities Modernisation Program as part of its 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.
As stated by Premier Daniel Andrews
“The redevelopment of Bendigo TAFE is a gamechanger for local students, giving them better access to our world-class TAFE system close to home.”
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“The bigger, better Bendigo TAFE was proudly built by TAFE students and graduates – and will be a place for the next generation of workers to get the skills they need for in-demand jobs in Bendigo and across the state.”
As stated by Bendigo TAFE CEO Sally Curtain
“The improved educational precinct continues to embrace its strong heritage in Bendigo city, while providing state-of-the-art, fit-for-purpose facilities to train the workforce of tomorrow.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“It was so exciting watching Bendigo TAFE come to life and creating hundreds of jobs in construction – now the new campus is finally here, it will build thousands more careers for people from Bendigo and beyond.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“It’s fantastic to see this new campus open – I hope all Bendigo locals can head down and support our TAFE with a haircut, a beauty treatment or a great meal in the public facilities.”
