Students and job seekers in Benalla now have access to training that leads to jobs supporting some of Victoria’s biggest infrastructure projects, thanks to the state government’s Free TAFE program.
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Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney visited the $60 million LS Precast facility, which supplies precast concrete for major infrastructure projects and is creating 400 jobs in the Benalla region, last week.
The plant’s first contract is to deliver critical work to support West Gate Tunnel operations.
Ms Tierney spoke to the press following a tour of the site on Thursday.
‘‘We are here in Benalla this morning to look at this wonderful new facility,’’ Ms Tierney said.
‘‘It will be producing concrete panels for the West Gate Tunnel project.
‘‘It’s going to be the largest facility in this county and we have lots of jobs that are available at this site.’’
Ms Tierney was joined on the tour by Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE chief executive officer Travis Heeney and she discussed how free TAFE courses were designed specifically to fill skills shortages — in this case providing a pathway to employment with LS Precast.
‘‘Free TAFE is making it easier for thousands of Victorians to get the training they need to get jobs across a range of industries, including right here in Benalla,’’ Ms Tierney said.
‘‘It will provide skilled workers for projects that keep Victoria moving — like the West Gate Tunnel project.’’
Locals who have completed a LS Precast pre-employment program with GOTAFE can progress to a Certificate III in Concreting, offered under the free TAFE program at the Wangaratta and Shepparton campuses.
Completing this course is a pathway to a job at LS Precast.
There are 16 non-apprenticeship, free TAFE courses available at GOTAFE, which has more than 420 students enrolled in free courses, including 35 students in Benalla.
GOTAFE is offering 47 free courses across its campuses including the Diploma of Nursing and courses in education and community services.
Thousands of Victorians are on the way to getting the skills they need to secure jobs in high-demand industries, with 13500 students enrolled in these courses across the state, driving a 60 per cent increase in commencements compared to the same time last year.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the collaboration between GOTAFE and LS Precast underlines the importance of TAFE to regional communities and industries.
‘‘Almost one quarter of free TAFE commencements were in regional Victoria,’’ Ms Symes said.
‘‘I am so proud that because of Labor there are now training and job opportunities for hundreds of local people — this is why I fought so hard against the National Party’s attempt to stop the West Gate Tunnel Project.’’
