Premier Steve Bracks visited Berwick last week to officially announce the location of a new Technical Education Centre. Left to right are Chisholm Institute CEO Virginia Simmons, Mr Bracks, Education Minister Lynne Kosky and Casey mayor Kevin Bradford.
VICTORIAN Premier Steve Bracks says a new Technical Education Centre (TEC) in Berwick will help address local skill needs and give young people a competitive edge when seeking employment.
Mr Bracks visited Chisholm Institute of TAFE’s Berwick campus last Thursday to unveil the official site for the new $8 million TEC.
He said the official announcement was great news for the local community and a key part of the State Government’s commitment to helping young Victorians develop their work skills.
“This TEC will provide another education option for young people in Melbourne’s south east, and help them into a trade course prior to completing Year 12 or its TAFE equivalent.”
“When completed, the Berwick TEC will have first class facilities, industry standard equipment and high quality industry-related teaching to provide pathways to better job opportunities,” Mr Bracks said.
“To compete internationally Victoria needs a workforce that is creative, smart, highly skilled and diverse.
“Berwick TEC is a large step in that direction. It will not only benefit industries in the area, it will strengthen the Victorian economy more broadly by equipping young Victorians with the skills they will need in a changing world.”
Mr Bracks made the announcement with Education and Training Minister Lynne Kosky, and local Labor MPs and candidates.
Three other technical centres will also be built in Ballarat, Wangaratta, and Heidelberg.
Ms Kosky said the Berwick TEC would be designed with the learning needs of young people and local skills needs at the forefront.
“It will be a state-of-the art modern facility with people-friendly study spaces and up-to-the-minute technology. Chisholm Institute will develop the TEC and the specific suite of vocational courses in consultation with industry and local schools,” Ms Kosky said.
The TEC will offer a range of courses depending on the training needs in the Berwick area, such as VCAL, VCE, VET in schools, apprenticeships, traineeships, pre-apprenticeships and industry specific VET courses.
Virginia Simmons, director and CEO Chisholm Institute said they were delighted and proud to be involved with the new initiative.
Ms Simmons said major growth was expected in the Casey region in the next 15 years and the new TEC would help address the educational and training needs of future generations and would help address skills shortages and build on existing partnerships with industry.
