$10 million to be committed to GOTAFE expansion

“This project is a part of the Transformation of GOTAFE in Shepparton project and complements the Victorian Government’s commitment to high-quality education in Shepparton,” she said.

GOTAFE chief executive Travis Heeney said the funding would help meet the needs of the construction boom in regional Victoria and restart the local economy.

“This funding couldn’t come at a better time, with demand for trade training at an all-time high as the regional economy recovers from COVID-19,” he said.

Director technology and built environment for GOTAFE Brett Ambrosio said the investment would overcome short-term capacity constraints, housing state-of-the-art plumbing and electrical trade training facilities.

“Our numbers in the apprenticeship area have doubled over the past four years so our facilities are at maximum capacity, this will enable us to expand our current delivery, especially in the plumbing and electrical area,” he said.

“We can take on more students and run more courses, including VET in school programs.”

Mr Ambrosio said he received 10 calls a week from trades looking for apprentices, and when it was operational, the expanded facility would help accommodate the apprentices needed to bridge the skills gaps.

Before then, more places can be offered at pre-apprenticeship level to ready people for employment.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe was pleased to tick off another project on the budget wish list.

“This project is an enormous step towards economic prosperity and job security for Greater Shepparton,” she said.

“It will ensure locals are highly skilled in specific trades, while creating many employment and education opportunities to ensure our community are well-placed for the future.”

Mr Ambrosio said students currently considering their future should consider taking up a trade.

“If you are thinking about a career in the trades this is the perfect time to do it; there are plenty of people looking for an apprentice,” he said.