Premier

Preparing Ballarat Kids For The Jobs Of The Future

16 February 2018

Students from 15 secondary schools in Ballarat now have access to the latest technology and innovative learning programs, with the opening of the new Ballarat Tech School.

Premier Daniel Andrews today joined Minister for Education James Merlino, along with Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight and Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard to officially open the brand new Tech School – the third of 10 Tech Schools to open under the Andrews Labor Government’s $128 million Tech School initiative.

The new Ballarat Tech School includes an IT and virtual reality lab, along with innovative project spaces dedicated to locally identified industry areas including health science, new energy technologies, food and fibre, advanced manufacturing and information technology.

Designed by Patrick Architects and built by Nicholson Construction, the Tech School is located in a newly refurbished building spanning over two levels at Federation University Australia’s SMB campus.

The high-tech hands-on programs will be offered free to more than 10,000 students from the 15 government, catholic and independent schools and are aligned with industries predicted to experience economic and employment growth – helping kids secure the jobs they need in the future.

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 9 students reaching the highest level of achievement in mathematics and 33 per cent more 15-year-olds reaching the highest levels in science.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“This is about ensuring our kids have the facilities available to prepare them for whatever the future brings.”

“We’re connecting industry, schools and tertiary providers so we can meet the needs of the next generation of industry, and the next generation of Victorians.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“Our kids need to be prepared for the jobs of the future – and that’s exactly what our Tech Schools will deliver. Tech Schools will make STEM accessible and exciting, giving students practical experience and confidence.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight

This project makes sure that students right across Ballarat will have access to the latest technology to give them the best education possible.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard

“The new Tech School with its local industry focus will complement and build on existing education provision in the region, providing our kids with a pathway to higher education, a trade or a professional career.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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