Students in the Ballarat region are a step closer to getting a brand new Tech School, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight today visited Federation University Australia’s SMB Campus in Ballarat to unveil designs for the groundbreaking new facility.
Expected to open in early 2018, the Ballarat Tech School will span over two floors and include an IT and virtual reality lab. It will also feature innovative project spaces dedicated to industries prominent in the region.
Students from 15 partner schools will be able to access the Tech School’s learning programs free of charge.
It is one of ten new Tech Schools being built under the Labor Government’s $128 million Tech Schools Initiative. Tech Schools will use leading technology to deliver advanced education and training in science, technology, engineering and maths.
This will mean local students now won’t have to travel far and wide to get a Tech School education – opening up new opportunities for young people in Ballarat.
Ballarat Tech School will have a local industry focus on health and science, new energy technologies, food and fibre, advanced manufacturing and information technology. Students will work on real-life problems provided by industry and use the latest technologies to come up with solutions.
It is 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.
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This brand new Tech School will allow students across the Ballarat region to get the skills and experiences they need to thrive in the emerging jobs of the future.”
“The Tech School will be based at the Federation University Australia’s SMB Campus, right near Ballarat’s city centre. Students will be matched with local industries and work on real life problems.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“We want students in the region to have the best STEM education resources available in their own community.”
“The Tech School program, led by Director Sofia Fiusco, will support student decisions about future study and open up a world of opportunities.”
Background - Schools Accessing the Ballarat Tech School:
- Ballarat Christian College
- Ballarat Clarendon College
- Ballarat Grammar
- Ballarat High School
- Ballarat Secondary College
- Ballarat Specialist School
- Damascus College
- Daylesford Secondary College
- Federation College
- Lake Bolac College
- Loreto College
- Mount Clear College
- Phoenix P-12 Community College
- St Patrick’s College Ballarat
- Yuille Park P-8 Community College
Reviewed 19 August 2020