The state government has approved more than $38 million for the merger of Kangan Institute and Bendigo TAFE.
The merger starts officially on July 1 and will be financed through the TAFE Structural Adjustment Fund.
Bendigo Kangan Institute will be its legal name, but Kangan chief executive Grant Sutherland (pictured) says both campuses will retain their own identities.
All 10 campuses operated by the two institutes will be retained.
“From a student and external point of view, it’s Bendigo and Kangan,” Mr Sutherland said. “We believe Kangan is a very strong brand. It’s developed over a number of years so it’s important that it be maintained.
“People connect with Kangan Institute, both from a community perspective and in industry. The automotive industry really connects with Kangan; we don’t want to lose that.”
Mr Sutherland said Bendigo TAFE also offered manufacturing and engineering courses, while Kangan had been working with Ford and the Melbourne North Innovation and Investment Fund to fund new ventures to employ skilled workers who are due to be made redundant at the car giant’s Campbellfield plant by the end of 2016.
Mr Sutherland said the food manufacturing sector gave the north one of its greatest competitive advantages. The merger will also strengthen fashion and design studies.
