Two new mobile training units will provide skills and training to hundreds of First Nations learners in Gippsland and north-west Victoria.
This was made possible under a $2.46 million Albanese Labor Government investment through Mobile TAFE.
This investment is part of the Albanese Labor Government's $31 million commitment to bring hands-on-training closer to home, so that people don’t have to move away to prepare for a career in energy, agriculture or construction.
The On-Country Skills Connect project is expected to support 600 learners each year, helping Victorians to gain skills and secure jobs closer to home.
The investment will provide capital and infrastructure needed for the project.
The mobile training units will be fitted with training simulators, computers, audiovisual technology, satellite connectivity and off-grid power systems to provide state-of-the-art training capability.
In Gippsland, the mobile training units will focus on providing skills to support the region’s transition to renewable energy, transmission infrastructure and associated civil works.
In north-west Victoria, the units will support qualifications in construction, land management and agriculture.
The units, expected to be operational by 2028, will travel to at least 17 outer regional and remote communities across Gippsland and north-west Victoria.
They will provide access to industry-aligned skill sets including accredited training and pathways into Certificates I to IV and apprenticeships.
These units will also deliver training that improves job readiness such as foundation and digital skills.
The Mobile TAFE project has been designed with the Carroll Labor Government, TAFE Gippsland, the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE, Gunaikaurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, and Mallee District Aboriginal Services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
“Mobile TAFE is about bringing practical, hands-on training directly to communities across Gippsland and north-west Victoria.
“They will create opportunities for First Nations learners in skills like construction, agriculture, energy and land management, without the need for them to travel to regional and city centres.
“This investment will help build local workforces, support regional industries and create pathways into secure, well-paid jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Mobile TAFE is creating more opportunities for First Nations people to acquire skills closer to home, without having to travel long distances.
“Importantly, these mobile units will be developed in partnership with local First Nations organisations, Gunaikaurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and Mallee District Aboriginal Services.
“These mobile training units will help build future workforces for communities in Gippsland and across north-west Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Skills and Training and First Peoples, Gabrielle Williams:
“Every Victorian should have the opportunity to build the skills they need for a good local job, no matter where they live.
“These mobile training units will bring high-quality training directly to First Nations communities, creating pathways into apprenticeships, further study and secure jobs closer to home.”
Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Energy and Resources, Jaclyn Symes:
“Regional Victoria is powering our energy future and these mobile TAFE units will bring the skills and training people need closer to home.
“Gippsland has powered Victoria for generations and this investment will help train the next generation of workers who will keep it an energy powerhouse.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh:
“Latrobe Valley has powered Victoria for generations, and our region is now building the workforce we need for the next generation of jobs.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:
“By delivering TAFE training across rural and remote areas of Gippsland, we’re making it easier for more locals to get the qualifications and well-paid, secure jobs they want.”