Manufacturing and construction skills are at the core of a new training initiative launched at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Heidelberg campus, where students have begun participating in the Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.
According to a joint media release from Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles and Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney, the program aims to support the future of housing construction by equipping the workforce with skills in prefabrication, modular and volumetric construction.
The government said the training is being delivered in a refurbished facility and is also being adapted for online access.
“The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are ensuring that Victorians can access opportunities to train and learn new skills – including to build the homes Victorians and Australians need,” Minister Giles said.
“We’re investing in TAFEs so they can be at the forefront of this work, including through the TAFE Centre of Excellence at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Heidelberg campus.”
The $50 million project is jointly funded by the federal and Victorian governments, with Melbourne Polytechnic working in partnership with construction and manufacturing leaders, other TAFEs, universities, industry associations and government agencies.
Minister Tierney said the initiative would build a future-ready workforce. “We’re backing this cutting-edge facility which will not only help build the Victoria of the future but also help students develop vital skills, create jobs and provide new opportunities for more Victorians,” she said.
“We’re building a future workforce that is ready for modern construction challenges, ensuring our future homes are smart and sustainable.”
Victoria’s Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing said the centre would play a role in ensuring quality and affordability.
“We’re backing the next generation of highly-skilled builders with the experience they’ll need to deliver the safe, high-quality, and affordable homes Victorians deserve,” she said. “This centre is about supporting our housing future – making sure we have a workforce ready to build modern, sustainable and beautiful homes for a growing city.”
The government noted the centre is expected to contribute to workforce growth, with more than 60,000 new workers projected to enter the construction sector by 2027.
Its reach will extend beyond the Heidelberg facility, with programs available to TAFEs and training providers nationwide.
Local representatives also welcomed the initiative. Member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites described it as “a great opportunity for locals to learn new skills that will put them at the forefront of building homes using modern, efficient and sustainable forms of construction.”
Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines added that the centre would be “a game changer for our community – creating real training opportunities for locals.”
Melbourne Polytechnic Chief Executive Frances Coppolillo said the centre represented collaboration between education, industry and government.
“The Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence is a case study in how the education and training sector can make a real difference in tackling some of our biggest national challenges,” she said.
“By working hand-in-hand with industry and government, we are driving innovation and equipping today’s and tomorrow’s workforce with the skills to embrace modern, sustainable, and efficient construction methods. This will deliver real benefits for communities across Australia.”
