The Andrews Labor Government’s promise to reopen Melbourne Polytechnic’s Greensborough Campus has been celebrated at a community open day today.
The TAFE reopened last month, returning higher education and training to the people of Greensborough and north-east Melbourne after it closed in 2013 because of Liberal budget cuts.
Thanks to $10 million from the Labor Government, the campus has a focus on health and community services, and business and entrepreneurship.
Melbourne Polytechnic is establishing several partnerships for the campus, including with the Melbourne Innovation Centre and Diamond Valley Learning Centre which will boost students’ learning opportunities.
Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney used the open day to unveil designs for the Banyule-Nillumbik Tech School, which will be built on the Greensborough campus.
Banyule-Nillumbik Tech School will be a shared learning hub where students from 18 partner government and non-government schools will be able to participate in learning programs free of charge.
It will have an education focus aligned to industries with strong economic and employment growth predicted in the area: scientific and technical services, healthcare and social assistance, and entrepreneurial skills.
Through Skills First, the Labor Government is overhauling Victoria’s training and TAFE system, guaranteeing funding to secure the future of TAFE and making sure Victorians have the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
Skills First builds on the Government’s investment in TAFE since 2014, which has included new buildings, reopening closed campuses like Greensborough, rolling out cutting edge equipment and restoring quality to the system.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“We said we’d restore higher education and training to Greensborough and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”
“We’re making sure our TAFEs are stronger than ever and now locals will get the quality training they deserve.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“Students across Melbourne’s North East will benefit from this new Tech School – helping them get the skills and experience they need to thrive in the jobs of the 21st century.”
“The Tech School will be equipped with leading edge technology and match students up with industry leading to rewarding jobs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“We’ve worked so hard over the last two years to reopen this campus and because of the will of the community and the work of this government we’ve done that.”