A $1.95 million investment in upgraded training facilities at Chisholm Institute’s Dandenong campus is set to strengthen manufacturing skills development, with up to 800 Victorian students each year expected to benefit from access to advanced engineering equipment, according to the Victorian Government.
Funded through the Australian Government’s TAFE Technology Fund and delivered by the Victorian Government, the upgrades provide engineering students with access to advanced computer numerically controlled (CNC) and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) technology, supporting hands-on training for careers in advanced manufacturing and fabrication.
The Victorian Government said the new facilities will help ensure students develop technical skills aligned with industry needs while strengthening capability across the vocational education and training sector and supporting the state’s skilled workforce.
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said advanced manufacturing continues to create new employment opportunities across Victoria.
“Advanced manufacturing is creating exciting opportunities across Victoria, and TAFEs like Chisholm Institute are helping people gain the skills to take advantage of them,” Giles said.
He added that the investment would provide students with access to modern technology and practical industry experience.
“Our investment means students have the opportunity to obtain first-hand knowledge in the latest technology, and build invaluable skills within the industry, improving the career pathways that will open up to them,” he said.
Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks said the upgraded facilities would support students developing expertise in advanced manufacturing.
“These state-of-the-art training facilities will improve the speed and accuracy of students’ knowledge and will help develop expertise in the advanced manufacturing sector for Victorians,” Brooks said.
He said the Allan Government remained focused on supporting TAFEs and industry to strengthen local production and manufacturing capability.
The Australian Government’s $50 million TAFE Technology Fund supports TAFEs across the country to upgrade infrastructure, including laboratories, workshops and information technology systems. Victoria has received $8.61 million through the program, with the Chisholm Institute project becoming the sixth completed in the state.
Member for Bruce Julian Hill said the investment would enable students to undertake specialist advanced manufacturing training in Dandenong.
“Because of this Albanese Government investment, Aussies will be able to get specialist training in advanced manufacturing right here in Dandenong,” Hill said.
Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams said the upgrades would allow engineering students to undertake practical training close to home while preparing for employment in Victoria.
“This investment will ensure engineering students can get the best, hands-on training close to home and get a well-paying job here in Victoria,” Williams said.
