The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments have announced a $50 million investment to establish the Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence, a dedicated training facility focused on advanced construction courses.
Set to revolutionise skills development in the housing construction sector, the centre will focus on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), equipping students with innovative training practices and cutting-edge digital tools, including a state-of-the-art holographic training suite.
“Partnerships like we are making today, between governments, training organisations and industry, are the best way to deliver the skills people need for good, secure work and careers,” said Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training.
The initiative aims to address Australia’s critical housing needs by bolstering workforce productivity and creating a hub for applied research in MMC.
Industry experts, such as prefabAUS, will collaborate to integrate prefabrication and modular construction techniques into the curriculum.
“HIA welcomes the announcement of funding to establish a Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence which will provide an important platform for industry to learn and develop the skills that will shape the construction of our future homes,” said Simon Croft, Chief Executive (Industry Policy) of the Housing Industry Association.
The centre is part of the Australian Government’s broader $325 million National Skills Agreement, which includes the establishment of up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence nationwide.
These centres will focus on developing a skilled workforce for critical industries, including housing and construction.
Gayle Tierney, Minister for Skills and TAFE, highlighted the program’s impact on Victorians: “Free TAFE has opened doors to new training and career pathways for nearly 190,000 Victorians since 2019, including 33,300 students in construction courses – saving aspiring tradies over $71 million in tuition fees.”
Located at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Heidelberg campus, the new centre will build on the institution’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence and its Clean Economy Skills Lab for Residential Building.
Collaborative efforts with other TAFEs, universities, and industry partners will drive innovation and sustainability in construction methods.
The project underlines the governments’ shared commitment to addressing skills shortages while meeting national housing priorities.
As Giles noted, “Increasing our capability to build houses in a more environmentally responsible and efficient way will create a foundation for a sustainable future, helping achieve our Future Made in Australia plan.”
