Around 8,500 local students will soon be using the latest technology, including an audio visual green screen room, as part of their regular education.
Minister for Education James Merlino, Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today unveiled Bendigo Tech School’s designs and turned the first sod to start construction on the groundbreaking new facility.
Based at the La Trobe University’s new Engineering Building in Flora Hill, Bendigo Tech School is one of ten new Tech Schools being built under the Labor Government’s $128 million Tech School initiative.
Tech Schools use new technology, such as 3D printers, audio visual platforms, robotics and virtual reality to deliver advanced education and training in science, engineering and maths skills.
Students from 14 Government, Catholic and Independent partner secondary schools will be able to access the Tech School’s learning programs free of charge - opening up new opportunities for young people in Bendigo.
Scheduled to open mid-2018, Bendigo Tech School will have a local industry focus on medical technology and pharmaceuticals, new energy technologies, food and fibre, and transport, defence and construction technologies.
Students will work on real-world problems provided by industry and use the latest technologies to come up with solutions.
Tech Schools are part of the Labor Government’s plan to boost performance in STEM subjects, including a 25 per cent increase in the number of Year nine students reaching the highest level of achievement in maths and 33 per cent more 15-year-olds reaching the highest levels in science.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This brand new Tech School will allow students across the Bendigo region to get the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the emerging jobs of the future.”
“We want students in the region to have the best STEM education resources available in their own community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“The Tech School program will support student decisions about future study and open up a world of opportunities.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“Bendigo students now have on their doorstep a learning centre that will help them be ready for the jobs of the 21st Century.”
“As Chair of the Bendigo Tech School Initiative committee, I am very pleased to be here at this important construction milestone and congratulate all those involved who got it to this stage.”
| Background – List of Partnering Schools |
| · Bendigo Kangan Institute - BTEC
· Bendigo Senior Secondary College · Bendigo South East 7-10 Secondary College · Bendigo Special Developmental School · Catholic College Bendigo · Creek Street Christian College · Crusoe 7-10 Secondary College · DOXA School Bendigo · Eaglehawk Secondary College · Girton Grammar School · Kalianna Special School · Marist College Bendigo · Victory Christian College · Weeroona College Bendigo |
Reviewed 19 August 2020