A state-of-the-art facility is now open and ready to provide world-class healthcare training to regional Victorians with a focus on in-demand skills in allied health, nursing and aged care, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today officially opened Bendigo TAFE's new Learning Hub in Castlemaine, made possible by a $4 million investment by the Allan Labor Government.
The hub is a collaboration between Bendigo TAFE and local service provider Dhelkaya Health. A wing of Dhelkaya Health's training hospital has been renovated to provide nursing, aged care and homecare learning spaces.
Up to 60 students at a time can train at the hub, gaining hands-on skills using specialist equipment designed to simulate real-world healthcare settings.
The partnership between Bendigo TAFE and Dhelkaya Health means students have direct access to placements and jobs at local employers.
The facility will also be used by Dhelkaya Health for training staff in the graduate nurse program as well as Monash University's General Practitioner program.
This innovative partnership approach underpins the Labor Government's commitment to working with industry and training providers to bring essential training and job opportunities to Victoria's regions.
Across the state, the demand for workers with healthcare skills is increasing. It's expected that 86,500 new workers will enter the health care and social assistance industry by 2027. The Labor Government is developing the skilled workforce needed to meet the demands of this vital sector.
This important project is funded from the $170 million Building Better TAFE Fund, which is helping to ensure students have the best facilities to train in, close to home.
The Labor Government has invested more than $5.2 billion into training, skills and higher education since 2014, ensuring Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"The new Community Learning Hub in Castlemaine provides a world-class training facility for regional Victoria, giving people in-demand healthcare skills for local jobs."
"This partnership between Bendigo TAFE and Dhelkaya Health is a wonderful example of the great outcomes that can be achieved when government, TAFEs and industry work together."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"This is a fantastic new facility that will train the next generation of healthcare workers for our region. It provides local people with training and employment opportunities right here in Castlemaine."
As stated by Bendigo TAFE Board Chair Sharan Burrow AC
"The opening of our new Learning Hub marks a significant milestone in strengthening regional skills and training across Castlemaine and its surrounding communities. It represents a strategic investment in regional healthcare workforce development."
As stated by Bendigo TAFE CEO Sally Curtain
"This Learning Hub shows how Bendigo TAFE is building the skills Victoria needs - right where it's needed most."
"We're combining hands-on training with the best facilities and real-world, local partnerships, to give students the skills and confidence to step straight into vital roles in health and aged care."
As stated by Dhelkaya Health Board Chair Vanessa Healy
"Our partnership with Bendigo TAFE will build local employment and career progression pathways and help shape the future of healthcare close to home."
As stated by Dhelkaya Health CEO Sue Race
"We're building a strong local health workforce. Students will be able to study locally, work locally, as well as ensure our staff are able to further develop their skills in world-class training facilities."
