The Allan Labor Government is helping more Victorians get free training that leads to good, well-paid jobs in the construction sector, opening a world-class construction training facility in Shepparton.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney recently officially opened Stage 2 of the GOTAFE Goulburn Murray Trade Skills Centre, boosting training opportunities for students in Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley-helping them get qualified for in-demand jobs without tuition fees.
With plumbing and construction skills in high demand, the updated Trade Skills Centre is now a hub for training skilled tradespeople to help build more homes in regional Victoria, whilst offering courses that give students the qualifications they need to secure rewarding and well-paid careers.
Students can train in a 3,410 square metre purpose-built facility with cutting-edge workshops for building and construction, furniture making, art and design, carpentry, and associated trades.
Stage 2 of the development is supported by a $10 million investment from the Labor Government that delivers a modern double-storey extension of the Archer Street building along with on-site parking for an additional 42 vehicles, ensuring Shepparton locals get world-class training close to home.
More than 175 students have enrolled in plumbing trade courses in the new facility, which features connecting facilities for plumbing trades, internal and external sandpits, a plumbing stack, a workshop with welding bays, a mechanical gas room, classrooms, break-out spaces and student and staff amenities.
With Free TAFE, students can train for careers in construction and plumbing at no cost, removing financial barriers to getting skilled and into work faster. This includes qualifications like the Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship and the Certificate II in Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship.
Victoria is the home of Free TAFE. Since 2019, the Labor Government has saved nearly 200,000 students more than $600 million in tuition fees, including 50,000 in regional Victoria - helping them gain life-changing qualifications without the financial barrier.
For more information on Free TAFE courses, visit www.vic.gov.au/free-tafe.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"The GOTAFE Trade Skills Centre is making Shepparton a hub for training the next generation of skilled tradespeople-helping build the homes our communities need while creating secure, high-paying jobs for locals."
"We're backing TAFE and training providers to ensure every Victorian has access to world-class, affordable education that leads to rewarding careers."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"This investment is a game-changer for Shepparton, giving locals the chance to get free, world-class training in construction and plumbing-leading to high-paying, in-demand jobs while helping build more homes for our community."
As stated by GOTAFE Acting Chief Executive Officer Phil Paterson
"Our students need contemporary facilities to learn their craft and develop their skills. With the completion of Stage 2 of the GMTSC our plumbing students now have access to some of the best facilities in Victoria."
