THE recent opening of Stage 2 of the GOTAFE Goulburn Murray Trade Skills Centre in Shepparton marks a significant step in addressing skill shortages in regional Victoria, particularly in the construction and plumbing sectors. With a $10M investment from the State Government, the state-of-the-art facility will provide local students with world-class training, preparing them for in-demand jobs and helping to bridge the skills gap in the region’s construction industry.
Spanning 3,410 square meters, the expanded Trade Skills Centre features modern workshops for a variety of trades, including building and construction, carpentry, furniture making, and art and design. The addition of a double-storey extension to the Archer Street building also includes on-site parking for 42 extra vehicles, ensuring greater access for local students.
More than 175 students have already enrolled in plumbing courses at the new facility, which is equipped with specialised resources such as plumbing stacks, internal and external sandpits, welding bays, a mechanical gas room, and ample classroom and break-out spaces.
Victoria’s Free TAFE program enables students to train for careers in construction and plumbing at no cost, removing financial barriers to acquiring skills and entering the workforce. This includes qualifications like the Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship and the Certificate II in Plumbing Pre-apprenticeship.
Since Free TAFE was launched in 2019, the Labor Government has saved nearly 200,000 students more than $600M in tuition fees, with 50,000 of those students based in regional Victoria. This initiative has been vital in helping students gain life-changing qualifications without the financial burden.
Commenting on the GOTAFE Trade Skills Centre, Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said, “This investment is a game-changer for Shepparton, giving locals the chance to receive free, world-class training in construction and plumbing, leading to high-paying, in-demand jobs while helping to build more homes for our community.”
