The Andrews Labor Government is investing more than $550,000 in state-of-the-art, specialised teaching equipment for Victoria Polytechnic to meet the needs of both students and industry.
Victoria Polytechnic will use its funding for simulation equipment for health based courses, as well as funds for the purchase of ten robots and improved equipment for hair, make-up and beauty courses.
TAFE institutes and dual-sector universities have identified an urgent need to upgrade equipment after a lack of investment by the former Coalition Government.
We know that the demand to keep up with rapidly changing technology and maintaining the equipment required to meet industry needs, is a costly exercise but a necessary one.
This initiative provides Institutes with the opportunity to invest in state-of-the-art, specialised equipment so that students are entering the workforce with the knowledge, skills and experience to use the most up-to-date equipment that is the industry standard.
Over the past 18 months, the Labor Government has invested heavily in TAFEs and dual-sector universities through initiatives including the TAFE Rescue Fund and the TAFE Back to Work Fund.
The Government’s new funding model, Skills First will see TAFE at the centre of the government-funded training system with more than $170 million in extra funding for institutes in 2017.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“If we want to make sure apprentices and trainees are work-ready when they leave TAFE, we need to make sure they’re training on the latest equipment – the same equipment used in businesses today.”
“With new and emerging industries transforming the workforce, it is essential that our TAFEs can provide training that meets the technology needs of these industries.”
“Our record investment in training and TAFE is changing the lives of everyday Victorians – while also making sure industry has the skills it needs for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”