- Published:
- Thursday 15 March 2018
Health and community services workers from across Bendigo and beyond will hit the ground running thanks to Bendigo TAFE’s new Health and Community Centre of Excellence.
The Centre, on McCrae Street in Bendigo, was officially opened today by the Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney and delivered with $17.7 million in funding from the Victorian Government.
The state-of-the-art facility will deliver high-quality education and training in nursing, integrated health, community and aged care, youth work, disability care, child services and justice.
Students will learn from experienced professionals, work with interactive technology, and practice in state-of-the-art simulation labs, including an aged care home.
Offering programs developed with input from Anglicare, Bendigo Health and Monash Rural Health, the Centre will train and upskill staff for the booming local healthcare sector, including the new $630 million Bendigo Hospital and to support the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
In Victoria, the healthcare sector already employs almost 10 per cent of the state’s workforce, with the figure set to rise, driven by the introduction of the NDIS and demographic changes including the aging of the population.
Since 2016, the Andrews Labor Government has provided Bendigo TAFE more than $6.7 million in Skills First TAFE Community Service funding to provide extra support for learners through initiatives like the Bendigo and Broadmeadows Skills and Jobs Centres.
The Labor Government is rebuilding the state’s TAFE network to ensure all Victorians have access to industry-standard training that gives them the skills they need to secure rewarding, well-paid jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“This cutting-edge training precinct right in the heart of the Bendigo will give locals the skills they need to secure jobs in the fast-growing health and community services sectors.”
“We are proud to be supporting our TAFEs to ensure they can provide the real skills people need to get a job.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
“This new facility will give students in Bendigo the best resources to get high quality training in their local area.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“It’s fantastic to see this facility now up and running – this will be crucial to growing opportunities in training, employment and the healthcare sector in Bendigo.”