GOTAFE students with GOTAFE board chair Candy Broad, plumbing teacher Katie Sellick, Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney and Office of TAFE Co-ordination and Delivery chief executive David Miller.
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The state government says it is helping more Victorians receive free training for good, well-paid jobs in the construction sector by opening a construction training facility in Shepparton.
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Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney recently opened stage two of the GOTAFE Goulburn Murray Trade Skills Centre.
To boost training opportunities for students in Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley, the centre will help future workers to become qualified for in-demand jobs without tuition fees.
With plumbing and construction skills in high demand, the updated centre is now a hub for training skilled tradespeople to help build more homes in regional Victoria, while also offering courses that give students the necessary qualifications for a rewarding career.
“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,” Ms Tierney said.
“We’re backing TAFE and training providers to ensure every Victorian has access to world-class, affordable education that leads to rewarding careers.”
GOTAFE chief executive Kristie O’Brien, Skills and TAFE Minister Gayle Tierney and executive director education Luke Surace with plumbing teacher Katie Sellick.
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Students can train in a 3410 square metre purpose-built facility with cutting-edge workshops for building and construction, furniture making, art and design, carpentry and associated trades.
Stage two of the development is supported by a $10 million investment from the government, which delivers a modern double-storey extension of the Archer St building.
In addition, on-site parking for an additional 42 vehicles has been included.
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 improving skills and getting into work faster.
This includes qualifications such as the Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship and the Certificate II in Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship.
“This investment is a game-changer for Shepparton,” state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said.
“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.”
