Seymour’s new GOTAFE Trade Training Centre was officially opened on Friday and will provide hands-on training for the current and future building and construction workforce of the area.
The $2.17 million centre features multi-purpose trade teaching facilities and flexible learning spaces, with state-of-the-art equipment and technology to allow training across a range of trade areas.
GOTAFE chief executive Travis Heeney said the new facility would broaden the range of services available to students.
“The new Trade Training Centre will provide our students with real-world, contemporary learning environments and practical training so they can graduate with job-ready skills,” he said.
“The new Trade Training Centre demonstrates our commitment to quality education in the Seymour region and will increase student numbers in key area of skills shortage.”
The building and construction sector has the highest employment of any sector in Mitchell Shire, employing about 12.5 per cent of the shire’s population.
The new centre will support courses in plumbing, carpentry, engineering, automotive, building and construction from next year.
In attendance at the opening was Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, who said the new facility would help cater for the changing demands for trades in the Mitchell Shire.
“This state-of-the-art centre will allow people to develop the skills they need for the jobs they want,” she said.
“This has huge benefits for the local economy and gives people more opportunities to build a future in the region.”
The construction of the new centre was supported by the State Government’s Building Works package.
Mr Heeney said GOTAFE aimed to allow people to learn the skills they were interested in to enhance their communities, with graduates able to enter the workforce with skills to meet the needs of the region.
For more information on GOTAFE, people can visit www.gotafe.vic.edu.au or call 1800 468 233.
