The Allan Labor Government is helping more Victorians get free training that leads to good, well-paid jobs, opening a world-class health training centre at Kangan Institute in Broadmeadows.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today officially opened Kangan Institute's new Health and Community Centre of Excellence, featuring modern learning facilities that simulate a real-world health environment.
The Centre - backed by a $60 million investment from the Labor Government - will give 1,400 students the opportunity to study close to home in in-demand fields like nursing and community services, aged care, childcare, mental health, disability, pathology and allied health.
And saving students the cost of tuition fees - the Centre will offer 13 of Victoria's 80 plus Free TAFE qualifications and short courses.
Victoria is the home of Free TAFE. Since 2019, the Labor Government has saved 191,000 students more than $580 million in tuition fees - helping them gain life-changing qualifications without the financial barrier.
Victoria's TAFE Centres of Excellence - like the one in Broadmeadows - are leading the way in applied research and industry collaboration, ensuring Victorians have the right skills now and for the future.
Melbourne Polytechnic's Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence opened in 2023 and now supports 100 students. The Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Centre of Excellence and The Gordon's Centre of Excellence for Inclusion in Disability, Health and Community Support are both in development.
With four in five future jobs coming through our TAFE system, the Labor Government is making sure more Victorians get the skills they need to find good, well-paid jobs in industries that need workers.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Free TAFE is life-changing, giving more Victorians the opportunity to learn new skills and opening the door to good, secure jobs."
"Whether it's healthcare or community services, we're making sure Victorians have access to world-class training - without paying a cent of tuition fees."
As stated by Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
"Free TAFE has already helped thousands of Victorians start new careers in high-demand industries - and this new Centre will mean even more people can access world-class training without the financial barrier."
As stated by Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward
"This new Centre is a game-changer for Broadmeadows, giving local residents access to Free TAFE, helping them gain in-demand qualifications, and secure great jobs - without the stress of tuition fees."
As stated by Kangan Institute Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain
"Kangan Institute's new Health and Community Centre of Excellence is officially open, and we couldn't be more excited! This world-class facility was delivered on time and on budget, and it's here to give our students the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in the health and care industries."
As stated by Kangan Institute Board Chair Sharan Burrow AC
"Kangan Institute is ready to empower the next generation of health and care workers through our new Health and Community Centre of Excellence."