Monash College, a wholly owned subsidiary of Monash University, today officially held an opening ceremony of its Docklands campus, and launched its new Future Skills division, which will see the College offer more vocational education and training (VET) programs.
While the Docklands campus has been operating since December 2021, the resumption of normal operations following COVID related disruptions has finally allowed the campus to be officially opened.
The campus opening coincides with Monash College serving as the Victorian host of National Skills Week, held from 21-27 August.
The Monash College Docklands campus welcomes a cohort of international students from countries including China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, and will play a key role in helping to address the skills shortages being felt in the Victorian and national economies.
Monash University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Elliott AM helped open the new campus and spoke of the impact it will have to the Victorian and national economies.
"The new campus consolidates the College's previous operations across multiple campuses in Melbourne's CBD, Caulfield and Clayton into one dedicated, contemporary place for students to complete their foundational, English language and diploma courses, and experience a smooth pathway to study at Monash University," said Professor Elliott.
"As a Registered Training Organisation, Monash College recognises the significant role vocational education and training plays in meeting industry needs. The College also plays a pivotal role in the University's ability to connect with industry and government by facilitating access to the rich talent of Monash graduates.
"As major, long-term and structural influences drive transformative change in our economy and society, Monash College will help prepare students with the skills to respond to a digital world and demographic change, and with skills that will enable us to transition to a net zero carbon economy.
"We look forward to working in partnership with the City of Melbourne, the Victorian Government and our other industry partners to continue increasing the creation of skilled workers for our country."
Monash College CEO Jo Mithen has worked in close consultation with industry and education experts to establish Monash College Future Skills, which will focus on equipping students and businesses with skills aligned to meet industry challenges and future workforce needs.
"Monash College Future Skills will offer students, corporates and the community a suite of vocational skills-based programs, initially focused on IT, cyber security, leadership and business, and later courses to support the health and care industry," said Ms Mithen.
"Future Skills will include micro skills and credentials, as well as accredited qualifications in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, digital leadership and project management. We are embracing this opportunity in response to industry demand for micro-credentials and digital skills, as well as challenges around a shortage of trained staff in emerging technologies.
"These new skills-based programs will continue to support students transitioning into Monash University, but will also support students looking to complete a vocational qualification or acquire practical skills to gain employment."
The College is backed by Monash University's diversity, breadth of alumni, research, partnerships, collaborations and connections, which is something that fits in with Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp's description of Melbourne as a knowledge city, and will help continue the revitalisation of Melbourne's Docklands and surrounds following a challenging three years.
"I am absolutely delighted to officially welcome Monash College into the City of Melbourne, and I look forward to seeing its continued role as part of our great city's diverse mix of education and skills providers, which makes Melbourne the number one destination for knowledge and education," said Lord Mayor Capp.
"Monash College's continued and broadened contribution to Melbourne's educational fabric is a key pillar of our city's skills strategy; it's here in Melbourne that we are producing capable minds that will help reshape the economic landscape."
For almost 30 years, Monash College has successfully provided pathways for students to transition into University. It has also built collaboration, engagement and partnerships with industry to strengthen Victoria's talent, training and student employment support with the employability skills and knowledge to maximise their opportunities to succeed in the global workforce.
Key student statistics
The College has transitioned more than 77,000 students to Monash University globally, since its inception in 1994.
40 per cent of international students at Monash University started at Monash College. And others have gone on to study at many other Australian universities.
Over the past five years, 70 per cent of students who commenced with the College come from China, with other nationalities represented including Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and India.
About Monash College
Monash College is fully owned by Monash University, Australia's largest university and a global top 50 ranked university. Monash College is the preferred pathway to Monash University for international students, offering foundation programs and English language courses, diplomas, study abroad, professional experience programs, and more. For more than 25 years, Monash College has been helping international students get into their desired degree courses and preparing them for success in the workforce.
