GOTAFE played host at a series of Business Breakfasts held across the region last week, where representatives from state and local government, business, industry, education and community groups gathered to discuss the region’s challenges and the benefits of partnerships and collaborative ventures.
The breakfasts, themed ‘Partnering for Success,’ provided an opportunity for GOTAFE’s new CEO, Travis Heeney to present the organisation’s vision for the future.
Mr Heeney said, “We have a bold vision for our future: to be a thriving organisation renowned for inspiring, motivating and equipping people for success. Collaboration is key for us in ensuring we are benefiting not only the students who walk through our door, but also the region as a whole.
“GOTAFE plays a vital role in preparing this region with a highly skilled workforce that will bring collective success to individuals, businesses, industry and community. Partnering together with leaders of industry and businesses, we are ensuring we identify what the workforce of tomorrow needs to look like, providing graduates with the skills they need to excel.”
Mr Heeney spoke of GOTAFE’s firm commitment to working with key people within the region to ensure the products and services developed and delivered by the organisation meet the current, emerging and future training and employment needs of the region.
At the breakfast keynote speaker, Alex Rance of Richmond Football Club spoke of his experience in collaboration with GOTAFE through his youth education and training facility The Academy.
Alex created The Academy alongside business partner, Luke Surace, which is an AFL draft school providing a unique full-time education and training program that fits the needs of emerging elite athletes.
The Academy, in collaboration with GOTAFE, has been designed to offer students an alternative to their usual learning environment, merging a full-time education with a footy school to encourage students to reach their potential in an approach most suited to them.
The Victorian State Government has made a significant investment in TAFE and the broader education and training sector across regional Victoria. The Shepparton Education Plan, the introduction of TAFE Victoria and targeted regional funding under the Skills First initiative are all steps toward ensuring a prosperous future for people in Shepparton and surrounding communities.
Funding provided under the Skills First banner has provided GOTAFE the means to facilitate new training and by extension contribute to the region’s social and economic prosperity.
The Free TAFE for priority courses initiative will give more Victorians the chance to get the skills they need to land a job in demand. The State Government initiative will reduce the financial barrier for students wanting to train in occupations that are needed most by employers in the Victorian Government.
