Victoria's next generation of construction workers are learning the cutting-edge skills required to support and grow Australia, with training now underway at the Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.
Federal Minister for Training and Skills Andrew Giles and Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney today visited Melbourne Polytechnic's Heidelberg campus to welcome the centre's first group of students, who are participating in an innovative pilot program to learn modern methods of construction.
Backed by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments, and developed in collaboration with industry, the short course introduces students to prefabrication, modular construction and volumetric construction. The training is being delivered in a newly refurbished space at the Heidelberg campus and is also being adapted for online delivery.
Work is underway to design a prefabricated, modular building that will serve as the centre's national platform for modern methods of construction. The purpose-built facility will be a hands-on demonstration and learning hub, featuring the latest construction equipment, tools and digital technologies.
Training delivered through the national Centre of Excellence will support the transformation of Australia's housing construction sector by accelerating the adoption of modern methods of construction, sometimes referred to as prefabricated, modular or off-site construction.
With more than 60,000 new workers expected to enter the construction sector by 2027, the Centre of Excellence will help build a skilled workforce ready for modern construction challenges.
The reach and impact of the Centre will extend far beyond the Heidelberg facility, providing training and development programs that can be offered by TAFEs and other training and education providers nationwide.
Modern methods of construction can help to ensure new housing is better suited to the changing climate and supports ambitions for more sustainable, lower-emissions communities.
The $50 million Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence is jointly funded by the Albanese Labor Government and the Allan Labor Government.
Melbourne Polytechnic has established formal partnerships with construction and manufacturing leaders, other TAFEs and universities, peak bodies, industry associations and Government to develop the Centre.
As stated by Federal Minister for Training and Skills Andrew Giles
"The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments are ensuring that Victorians can access opportunities to train and learn new skills - including to build the homes Victorians and Australians need.
"We're investing in TAFEs so they can be at the forefront of this work, including through the TAFE Centre of Excellence at Melbourne Polytechnic's Heidelberg campus."
As stated by Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"We're backing this cutting-edge facility which will not only help build the Victoria of the future but also help students develop vital skills, create jobs and provide new opportunities for more Victorians."
"We're building a future workforce that is ready for modern construction challenges, ensuring our future homes are smart and sustainable."
As stated by Minister for Housing and Building Harriet Shing
"We're backing the next generation of highly-skilled builders with the experience they'll need to deliver the safe, high-quality, and affordable homes Victorians deserve. This centre is about supporting our housing future - making sure we have a workforce ready to build modern, sustainable and beautiful homes for a growing city."
As stated by Member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites
"The start of this new course at the Future of Housing Construction TAFE Centre of Excellence, right here in our community, is a great opportunity for locals to learn new skills that will put them at the forefront of building homes using modern, efficient and sustainable forms of construction."
As stated by Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
"The Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence will be a game changer for our community - creating real training opportunities for locals."
As stated by Frances Coppolillo, Chief Executive of Melbourne Polytechnic
"The Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence is a case study in how the education and training sector can make a real difference in tackling some of our biggest national challenges. By working hand-in-hand with industry and government, we are driving innovation and equipping today's and tomorrow's workforce with the skills to embrace modern, sustainable, and efficient construction methods. This will deliver real benefits for communities across Australia."
