The Minister for Training and Skills, the Honourable Gayle Tierney, visited VU Polytechnic’s newly reopened Werribee East Campus today to meet with Free TAFE students, including those enrolled in the Certificate II in Building and Construction (pre-apprenticeship), Certificate III in Civil Construction and Certificate IV in Civil Construction.
Minister Tierney spoke to several students, including Marshall Tuck, who is currently enrolled in the Certificate III in Civil Construction. A former employee in the primary health sector, Marshall has worked globally with humanitarian organisations. Marshall is hoping to use his newfound skills in civil construction to work on environmental and regeneration projects.
“Free TAFE has given me an opportunity for a career change.”
VU’s Werribee East Campus reopened in September last year following a $2 million facelift. Programs delivered at this campus will train existing and future workforce and fill skill-shortages in the construction industry.
Minister Tierney toured the campus with its recently installed tunnel simulator, designed to support training for thousands of workers for large scale infrastructure projects, including the West Gate Tunnel Project, the Western Road Upgrade project, and the Outer Suburban Arterial Roads project.
“With this (tunnel simulator) in the background, what it says to me is that we have nailed it in terms of relevance and this is exactly what we need.”
“This is exactly what we want universities and TAFEs to do. To actually get in there with the contractors and make sure we have the right profile of skilled workers so we can get the jobs done.” says Minister Tierney.
The simulator will provide students undertaking Certificate III in Civil Construction with hands-on experience, preparing them for work on these major projects.
Victoria University Polytechnic is proud to offer 38 Free TAFE courses in areas such as construction, trades, nursing, health, community services and accounting. Courses in the Free TAFE initiative align with skills and jobs that are in demand from Victorian employers
“We are making training more accessible and affordable for Victorians. The increased number of students at Victoria University Polytechnic is showing the popularity – and importance – of the Free TAFE program.” says Minister Tierney.
Interested in training in a Free TAFE course at VU Polytechnic? Find a course today.