By Matthew Sims
The state government has provided a boost to carpenters in the Broadmeadows region, with a new carpentry trade facility now open at Kangan TAFE.
Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney launched the $1.2 million investment for the facility as part of the $6.8 million Trades and Skills Centre at the Broadmeadows Kangan TAFE campus on Monday, May 16.
The new facility would provide equipment and training areas for up to 400 apprentices, as well as an indoor simulated work site.
Kangan Institute acting chief executive Graham Fryer said the facility would increase collaboration between students and provide a realistic environment where apprentices from different trades can work on large projects.
“Kangan Institute’s new Trades and Skills Centre is already supporting thousands of Victorians to gain a nationally recognised qualification through high quality resources and industry-standard technology.”
Kangan TAFE opened the Trades and Skills Centre in December 2021 and accommodates 3500 students each year.
Ms Tierney said the state government has made a $3.2 billion investment to rebuilding TAFE and supporting universities and higher education and this investment was a win for Broadmeadows tradespeople.
“This is another feather in the cap for the fantastic new Trades and Skills Centre in Broadmeadows, giving locals access to great training opportunities and also addressing skills demands in Melbourne’s growing north,” she said.
Broadmeadows MP Frank McGuire said the facility would create expert workers to be used within the local workforce.
“We know how in-demand trades workers are in Melbourne’s north, which is why we’ve delivered a world-class Trades and Skills Centre in the heart of Broadmeadows,” he said.