The Andrews Labor Government is returning training to Melbourne’s north east with Melbourne Polytechnic’s Greensborough campus to reopen its doors in 2017.
Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert joined Member for Eltham Vicki Ward for a community forum to outline a plan for the campus that will benefit the whole community – which was closed under the former Liberal Government in 2013.
The Labor Government is investing $10 million to reopen the Greensborough campus which will focus on three main areas including health and community services, business and entrepreneurship and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The site will also be home to the Banyule Tech School with the Labor Government committing $125 million to construct and establish ten Tech Schools across the state with a further investment of $8.4 million in ongoing funding each year.
The Banyule Tech School will be an innovative shared learning centre for secondary school students in the region, with strong links to local industry.
Melbourne Polytechnic is developing a detailed implementation plan with the first VET courses to be delivered in 2017. The campus will become fully operational in 2018, with the Tech School expected to open mid-2018.
Unlike the former Liberal Government who oversaw the closure of TAFE campuses, the Labor Government is getting on with reopening them and linking training to the needs of industry and students.
We inherited a training system in crisis. Over the past year, we have worked to rebuild TAFEs, to invest in apprenticeships and boost quality in the system.
In 2015, the TAFE sector recorded an operating surplus of $25 million, compared to a deficit of $52.5 million in 2014, a $77.5 million turn around.
Melbourne Polytechnic saw a significant $15.8 million turnaround in its finances, going from a $19.2 million deficit under the Liberals in 2014, to just $3.4 million in 2015.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“For too long, Greensborough locals lacked access to quality training. By reopening the Melbourne Polytechnic, we’re giving locals in Melbourne’s north access to training closer to home.”
“This Government is supporting Melbourne Polytechnic to train Victoria’s future workforce. Our investment in the institute has allowed the TAFE to turnaround its finances after they were decimated by the Liberals.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“We are listening to the local community and its needs. This campus will build skills, support local industry and jobs growth in Melbourne’s north east.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020