Wednesday 11 December 2019

Students in Gippsland are a step closer to having the state-of-the-art training facilities they deserve, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today visited TAFE Gippsland to turn the first sod on the $35.5 million Morwell Campus Redevelopment.

The Morwell Campus Redevelopment will be delivered in two stages. The first stage, a Health and Early Childhood Training Centre, is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2020 and will deliver:

• health studies including nursing, allied health, individual support and early childhood education and care
• specialised nursing and individual support labs
• indoor and outdoor early childhood learning spaces.

The second stage of the redevelopment will deliver a Morwell Trade Skills Centre. It will include facilities for electro-technology and plumbing, as well as workshops and lab facilities.

Through investment in brand new buildings and the Free TAFE initiative, local students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want all across Victoria.

Almost 1,700 students have started Free TAFE courses at TAFE Gippsland – almost double the number of students compared with the same time last year. Top courses include individual support and community services.

More than 36,000 students have started Free TAFE courses in the nine months to the end of September – a 90 per cent increase in commencements in these courses compared to the same time in 2018.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $1.3 billion to rebuild the state’s TAFE system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want, and help grow the Victorian community.

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victorian Region Harriet Shing

“These new facilities will benefit thousands more people living in Morwell and the surrounding region by providing access to world-class training targeted to local jobs.”

“Together with the Andrews Labor Government’s Free TAFE program, the redeveloped Morwell campus will provide the life-changing opportunities that not so long ago seemed out of reach.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney

“The Andrews Labor Government is rebuilding Victoria’s TAFEs so that people can access high quality training in their local area. “We are supporting regional Victoria and local communities through projects like these.”

Quote attributable to TAFE Gippsland CEO Grant Radford

“We have listened to the local community, and this exciting new redevelopment will deliver modern first-class vocational training facilities for TAFE Gippsland students and staff.”