Government funding announcement today at Wodonga TAFE

Monday, 1 October 2018

Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Ms Jaclyn Symes, on behalf of Victorian Minister for Training and Skills the Hon. Gayle Tierney, visited Wodonga TAFE’s McKoy Street campus on Monday 1 October 2018 to announce a grant of $1.99 million from the Victorian Government’s Workplace Training Innovation Fund towards an innovative retail project, ‘Retail Connection’. 

An industry and training provider partnership set up to develop and deliver innovative strategies for improving training outcomes and training relevance to industry, Retail Connection will benefit business and community in Wodonga and throughout regional Victoria. The vision of Retail Connection is to provide a one-stop destination for retail education, collaboration, experiences and support, that will bring retail communities together to inspire passion and drive engagement.

Ms Janelle Cretney, Director of Education and Vocational Services at Wodonga TAFE, explained that Retail Connection was the culmination of many years of work alongside local, regional and interstate retailers. “We have been listening to retailers’ concerns about the future of the retail industry, and we are excited to be able to show them their ideas and suggestions at the very centre of this innovative project.” 

“This funding provision will enable the training component of Retail Connection”, said Ms Cretney. “Retail Connection will create a web of connectivity, linking retail professionals across the country through new ways of learning and ongoing support. Alongside online and workplace training options for participants, Retail Connection will also feature face-to-face and online mentoring, community networking opportunities, and professional development via industry events.”

Photo: Ms Janelle Cretney, Director Education & Vocational Services at Wodonga TAFE; Ms Jaclyn Symes Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria; and Mr Mark Dixon CEO Wodonga TAFE.