The Victorian Government has unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art, construction-focused TAFE campus in Melton, with an investment of $55 million, aimed at providing local students with accessible education opportunities.
Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney, made the official announcement, designating Bendigo Kangan Institute as the chosen TAFE provider responsible for the campus’s construction and operation.
The selection of Bendigo Kangan Institute was based on its strong track record in delivering construction and trades training and its geographical proximity to the region.
This strategic decision aligns with the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students in Melton and nearby areas.
The project will be funded through the Victorian Government’s Building Better TAFE Fund, which has received an additional $170 million allocation in the Victorian Budget 2023/24.
This injection of funds aims to ensure that students can access high-quality educational facilities without the need to undertake long commutes.
In addition to the new Melton campus, the Building Better TAFE Fund will support the establishment of a Bendigo Kangan campus in Sunbury, addressing the lack of TAFE-led skills training in the region.
The government is actively collaborating with Bendigo Kangan Institute to identify a suitable location within Melton for the campus, which is expected to open its doors in 2028.
Upon completion, the campus is anticipated to accommodate approximately 600 student enrolments annually.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible training opportunities in Melton as the region expands.
She mentioned, “As Melton grows, we’re making sure people have access to great training opportunities, close to home – and Bendigo Kangan Institute’s new campus will deliver best practice training in the construction fields, without students having to travel long distances.”
Bendigo Kangan Institute Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain expressed contentment with the partnership with the Victorian Government, stating, “We are pleased to partner with the Victorian Government to make skills and training more accessible to Melton residents through a new TAFE campus by Kangan Institute.”
Member for Melton Steve McGhie conveyed excitement about the increased availability of high-quality training opportunities for Melton residents, emphasising the support for a larger number of students in their pursuit of their desired careers.
The Building Better TAFE Fund also includes several other significant projects, such as the creation of a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion in Disability, Health, and Community Services at The Gordon TAFE in Geelong, as well as the development of a Community Health and Learning Hub at Bendigo TAFE’s Castlemaine campus.
Notable projects previously supported by the Building Better TAFE Fund include Bendigo Kangan’s $60 million Health and Community Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows, Chisholm Institute’s $67.6 million Stage 2 of the Frankston Redevelopment, and Melbourne Polytechnic’s $40 million Collingwood Campus modernisation.
