The new Trades Innovation Centre has officially opened at RMIT University's Bundoora East campus, helping to create job-ready graduates for worksites across Victoria.
RMIT invested $20 million to establish the centre, which features purpose-built skills bays and state-of-the-art equipment, including virtual welders and excavators.
"The Trades Innovation Centre builds on RMIT's excellence in vocational education by delivering worldclass training, while also addressing local skills demands," RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice-President Mish Eastman said.
"The new centre will connect the dots between the next generation of tradies, industry and employers, to support projects in the northern growth corridor and across the state."
Eastman was joined at the opening by federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles and Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio.
Five programs will be delivered at the centre, including building and construction, carpentry, plumbing and electrotechnology - complementing 'earn and learn' student work placements and apprenticeships.
Onsite training will simulate the multidisciplinary nature and timeframes of real construction projects, with a focus on non-technical skills like communication and collaboration.
Students will also have access to a range of support services and partners to enhance their learning, including the City of Whittlesea, Milwaukee Tool Australia and Empowered Women in Trades.
"We do things differently at RMIT, and the new centre will really be a place for people to pursue a rewarding career in trades, no matter their background," Trades Innovation Centre Program Manager Donna Sullivan said.
"School wasn't my strength, but then I found trades. I always say, I may not be able to read Harry Potter, but I can build Hogwarts."
