Students, robots, renewable energy, AI, cyber security, hospitality and virtual reality training will take centre stage at Victoria’s Parliament House as the state’s TAFE network demonstrates how it is preparing the future workforce.
The Victorian TAFE Association will bring together TAFEs and dual-sector universities from across the state for a unique exhibition at Spring Street, giving Members of Parliament, policymakers and media the opportunity to experience firsthand the innovative, hands-on training that is essential to meeting Victoria’s growing and urgent skills needs.
The event comes as the sector is calling on the government to bolster funding for TAFEs, including committing to $2.5 billion for TAFE infrastructure over the coming decade, as recommended by Infrastructure Victoria, and thousands of additional funded training places.
The state is forecast to require over 1.4 million new jobs by 2034, with future skilled workforce demands across key industries. Recent research shows that 91 percent of TAFE learners achieve their employment goal and in order to continue delivering excellent training, we need to ensure future funding keeps pace with deman.
Victorian TAFE Association CEO Alex White said the event demonstrated the critical role TAFEs play in developing the skilled workforce needed across both traditional and emerging industries.
“Victoria’s TAFEs and dual sector universities train more than 200,000 people to be electricians, cyber security specialists, hospitality professionals, early childhood educators, advanced manufacturers, renewable energy technicians and more. These are vital jobs that our economy depends on,” Mr White said.
“This showcase brings those skills to life, giving Parliament a hands-on look at the innovation, talent and industry partnerships shaping Victoria’s future workforce.”
“Our TAFEs are critical economic infrastructure for for Victoria to meet the growing skills demands, and additional funding is vital to support future demands.”
The exhibition features a range of highly visual and interactive experiences, including:
- Student-built robotics and automation technology from Bendigo Kangan Institute.
- Advanced infant simulation technology used by Box Hill Institute to train future early childhood educators.
- Renewable energy demonstrations featuring student-built solar power systems from Federation TAFE and hands-on electrical training equipment from TAFE Gippsland.
- Cyber security simulations and immersive technology displays from Holmesglen Institute.
- Live hospitality demonstrations where visitors can try their hand at piping macarons with William Angliss Institute students.
- Interactive Auslan activities and 3D printing displays from Melbourne Polytechnic.
With skills demands remaining high across key sectors of the economy, the exhibition provides a timely reminder of the role vocational education plays in delivering a highly skilled, job-ready workforce for Victoria.
ENDS
Media contact
Jenny Stramilos
Strategic Communications Manager
Victorian TAFE Association
jstramilos@vta.vic.edu.au
0412 870 220
About the Victorian TAFE Association
The Victorian TAFE Association (VTA) is the peak body for the Victorian TAFE sector, comprising Victoria’s 12 TAFE Institutes, four dual sector universities and AMES Australia. We proudly champion public vocational education and training (VET) with a focus on sustainability, quality, and outcomes for learners, industry, and community.