Families in Melton will have access to quality TAFE facilities and training at a new construction-focused TAFE campus nearby, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney and Member for Melton Steve McGhie today announced the location for the new Kangan Institute campus in Melton, which is expected to open in 2028.
The Labor Government has invested $55 million to establish the new campus. It will deliver training with a focus on key trades such as plumbing, electrical, building and construction, accommodating around 800 students each year.
Agreement with Melton City Council on a preferred site for future Melton TAFE has been reached for the corner of Hollingsworth Drive and Ferris Road in Cobblebank. It is near to the Cobblebank train station, across from Council's Western Business Accelerator and Centre of Excellence (BACE), and close to schools and the future hospital.
Kangan Institute was selected as the TAFE provider to build and operate the new campus because of its geographical connection to the area. It also has well-established strengths in the delivery of construction and trades training. Planning and design work has begun for the project.
Kangan Institute will offer TAFE courses in Melton at Western BACE while works progress on the Melton Campus.
The City of Melton is one of Australia's fastest growing areas - its population is forecast to grow by around 215,000 people between 2025 and 2046. Melton residents currently have no TAFE campuses close to home.
The $55 million for the new campus is being funded through the Labor Government's Building Better TAFE Fund, which is ensuring students have the best facilities to train in, close to home.
This fund is also providing for a new Kangan Institute campus in Sunbury, a Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion at The Gordon in Geelong, and a Bendigo TAFE Community Health and Learning Hub in Castlemaine.
Victorians remember the carnage caused when the Liberals sacked more than 2,000 TAFE teachers, shut 22 TAFE campuses and ripped $1 billion from TAFEs across Victoria when they were last in Government.
And as we know from Peter Dutton - given the chance, Brad Battin would do it all again.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"This new world-class campus that delivers high quality and industry relevant training in the construction fields will mean Melton residents have the opportunity to live, train and work in Melton."
"We have built and upgraded 27 TAFE campuses since 2014 - this is in stark contrast to the Liberal Party, who sacked more than 2,000 TAFE teachers, shut 22 TAFE campuses and ripped $1 billion from TAFEs across Victoria when they were last in Government."
As stated by Member for Melton Steve McGhie
"Melton is one of the fastest growing communities in the country - and this new TAFE campus will make sure locals have access to high-quality, hands-on training in key industries like construction, right on their doorstep."
As stated by Kangan Institute Chair Sharan Burrow AC
"We're proud to be working with the Victorian Government to establish this new Kangan Institute campus in Melton - an investment that will deliver long-term benefits for the local community and region.
"This project is more than just bricks and mortar; it's about building opportunity in one of Australia's fastest growing areas and developing a skilled workforce for the future."
As stated by Kangan Institute CEO Sally Curtain
"We are excited to get started on the new Kangan Institute Melton Campus, which promises to be a state-of-the-art TAFE in Melbourne's thriving north-west growth corridor. Our new campus will be a game changer - delivering local skills and training for community and industry. Local education, for local people, supporting local business.
"We are looking forward to getting started early and will soon be offering courses in areas like digital and emerging technology and early electrotechnology training - right here in Melton, across the road from our future site.
"We'll work closely with Western BACE, schools, industry, and community to deliver training needed for Melton's workforce"
