A new trades innovation centre will help create job-ready graduates for worksites across the state, according to RMIT University.
The $20 million centre at the university’s Bundoora East campus was officially opened on Friday, February 21.
It features purpose-built skills bays and state-of-the-art equipment, including virtual welders and excavators, according to RMIT deputy vice-chancellor vocational education and vice-president Mish Eastman.
“The trades innovation centre builds on RMIT’s excellence in vocational education by delivering world-class training, while also addressing local skills demands,” Ms Eastman said.
“The new centre will connect the dots between the next generation of trades, industry and employers, to support projects in the northern growth corridor and across the state.”
Ms Eastman was joined at the opening by federal Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles and state Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio.
Five programs will be delivered at the centre, including building and construction, carpentry, plumbing and electrotechnology – complementing ‘earn and learn’ student work placements and apprenticeships.
Onsite training will simulate the multidisciplinary nature and timeframes of real construction projects, with a focus on non-technical skills like communication and collaboration.
Students will also have access to a range of support services and partners to enhance their learning, including Whittlesea Council, Milwaukee Tool Australia and Empowered Women in Trades.
