Wodonga TAFE to deliver trailblazing Heavy Vehicle Technology Program as a game changer for the nation.

Monday, 1 November 2021

Wodonga TAFE's Heavy Vehicle Technology Program plans a state-of-the-art innovative heavy vehicle training and experimentation facility, the technical training courses of the future, and a high school to industry pathway scheme. It will be a game changer for the nation. 

The program will provide comprehensive multi-use facilities and resources that can meet the needs of national industry, the transport sector, emergency services, schools, and academia. As the only facility of its kind in the country, this program will play a pivotal role in Australia’s scientific and industrial future according to Wodonga TAFE’s Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Brendan Kellaway. 

“The Heavy Vehicle Technology Program is about more than just driver safety — it will add Australian skills, expertise, and jobs through investment in advanced technical trades”, said Dr. Kellaway. “Wodonga TAFE's Heavy Vehicle Program will deliver a state-of-the-art proving, experimentation and training ground providing comprehensive driver training for heavy vehicle operators.” 

Dr. Kellaway said the program will also transform Wodonga TAFE’s technical training offerings to include robotics, mechatronics, autonomous systems, electric vehicle mechanics and hydrogen powered propulsion.  

“Our future infrastructure and future training will arm the future workforce and we will offer high-schools STEM pathways to industry to build that workforce in the region and nationally.” 

Dr. Kellaway said the program will not only create hundreds of jobs and deliver a highly skilled workforce but will make Australia’s heavy vehicle, autonomous vehicle, and robotics operations more advanced and safer. 

“Wodonga TAFE's Heavy Vehicle Technology Program is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and is a program of national importance. This will be a great investment for the nation as the program is designed in alignment with Australia’s broader sovereign industrial capability priorities.” 

The program is ready to progress to detailed design and construction and is currently seeking Federal and State funding support.