Labor is backing TAFE to train workers needed to build homes faster and cheaper.
Minister Brooks and Minister Giles today launched the first accredited, long-form qualification delivered through Melbourne Polytechnic's Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.
The Certificate III in Prefabrication Installation will train students for careers building prefabricated homes.
Students will receive hands-on training and flexible blended learning.
These skills are needed to work with modern methods of construction (MMC).
Modular housing is built off-site, then transported and assembled quickly on location, delivering quality homes faster and cheaper.
The qualification was developed in consultation with industry through the Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.
It will be hosted at Melbourne Polytechnic's Heidelberg West campus.
The Centre of Excellence is a national hub for training, research and innovation across Australia's building industry.
Victoria is already home to more than 200 companies specialising in MMC, spanning design, manufacturing, transport, assembly and installation.
Alongside the new Certificate III qualification, the Centre of Excellence is already delivering four industry-designed short courses.
These help existing workers and businesses adopt modern methods of construction.
The $50 million Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence is jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments.
To find out more about national TAFE Centres of Excellence, visit vic.gov.au/national-tafe-centres-excellence.
As stated by Minister for Skills and Training of Australia Andrew Giles
"Building more homes, more efficiently starts with building the skilled workforce Australia needs."
"This new qualification will help more Australians develop the practical skills needed to embrace modern construction methods and deliver more homes, faster."
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks
"Victoria's construction sector employs nearly 350,000 people - we need more skilled workers to build the homes and energy projects Victoria needs."
"New technology means new skills. This course makes sure our tradies are ready for it."
As stated by Minister for Housing and Building Nick Staikos
"Modern methods of construction mean more quality homes built faster, and this course builds the skilled workforce to make it happen."
As stated by Federal Member for Jagajaga Kate Thwaites
"It's fantastic to see Heidelberg West leading the nation in training the skilled workers who will build the homes of the future."
As stated by Victorian Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
"Having Australia's first accredited prefabrication qualification delivered here in Heidelberg West is a huge win for local students, local jobs and our community."
As stated by Melbourne Polytechnic CEO Frances Coppolillo:
"The Certificate III in Prefabrication Installation is the first-of-its-kind in Australia, established to prepare workers with the right tools and confidence needed for a career in modern methods of construction."
