Victorians in the Northeast will soon have a new TAFE campus in central Benalla that will address skill shortages and improve access to education and training, following funding support from the Victorian Government.
In a media statement, the government revealed that the $1.6 million campus will be located at the former ANZ building on Bridge Street backed by $950,000 and $650,000 from Regional Development Victoria and GoTAFE, respectively.
Half of the cost of the new site’s acquisition was covered by a $340,000 contribution from the Labor Government, with the remaining $80,000 coming from GoTAFE.
The government said a GoTAFE facility in Benalla’s CBD will improve engagement with locals and the business community in order to provide courses that satisfy industry criteria and job demands in Northeast Victoria.
It will also provide courses to address regional communities’ talent needs, notably in the nursing and mental health sectors.
In particular, the new campus will have modern classroom facilities with modernised technology, collaborative workplaces, individual study rooms, and better accessibility.
“GoTAFE’s new campus is delivering jobs for local workers now and will also ensure that students and job-seekers can get the skills they need for the career they deserve for years to come,” said Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing.
Meanwhile, Gayle Tierney, Minister for Training and Skills, said the investment in TAFE in Benalla and all over the state will remove challenges to education and training, provide practical skills and career guidance, and fill gaps in sectors that are experiencing labour shortages.
To ensure that Victorians have access to high-quality education and lucrative career opportunities, the government has committed more than $4 billion in TAFE reconstruction and university and higher education assistance since 2014.
More than 130 courses are offered by GoTAFE, the largest vocational education provider in rural Victoria, which has eight sites.
Over 9,000 students from all walks of life in 11 local government regions have access to a wide range of learning, education, and skill possibilities.
Since 2015, the government has invested a total of more than $41 billion in rural and regional Victoria.
For more information, you may visit rdv.vic.gov.au.
