Trades Training Centre launch event

Thursday, 8 June 2023

Wodonga TAFE welcomed guests to the official opening of the Trades Training Centre on Tuesday 6 June,2023.

The state-of-the-art facility incorporates modern classrooms and hands-on practical workspaces to cater for multiple trades (electrotechnology, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetmaking, WHS and building and construction) with mobile equipment available for quality learning practices.

The need for the Trades Training Centre was identified through extensive industry research and consultation which demonstrated the need for increased participation for skills shortages. The completion of the facility directly addresses the Victorian Government priorities in apprenticeships and traineeships, as well as local factors, like the shortage of trade training facilities within the region.

“We’re excited to announce the official launch of the Trades Training Centre.” says Phil Paterson, CEO of Wodonga TAFE, “We have the opportunity to provide apprentices and trainees with a modern training space that features all the equipment they would use on a worksite."

"The demand and opportunity for industry is set to continue with the Riverina Redevelopment Joint Venture, expecting to commence construction in 2024-2025."

Wodonga TAFE Board Chair Allison Jenvey said the board established a strategy, innovation and growth committee more than six years ago to encourage "blue sky thinking".

"Together we could work out whether the idea was something that would fit in with our strategy, our risk appetite, and if it was something that would fit with our core purpose, to provide quality education and training to our community," she said.

"As you can see, this Trades Training Centre is a very positive outcome of this initial planning and development process."

Mr Paterson thanked the design and building partners, Premier Building, GHD and Q1, noting the construction had continued throughout the worst of the COVID restrictions.

"Despite the challenges, we welcome the fantastic outcome - a fantastic education facility supporting our learners, our industry and our community," he said.

The project received $2.89 million federal funding through the revitalising TAFE campuses across Australia fund and $1.2 million from the Victorian TAFE equipment facilities fund.

You can visit the course page for the expanded training offerings here: Construction Trades