Leading architecture firm Gray Puksand was recently appointed to design GOTAFE’s new world-class training facility in Shepparton.
The $10.7 million project was made possible thanks to funding from the State Government and will house 560 students across plumbing and electrical courses and create a new car park for over 40 vehicles. Travis Heeney CEO, GOTAFE welcomed the appointment, as it will help meet the needs of the construction boom in regional Victoria and restart the local economy.
“With demand for trade training at an all-time high as the regional economy recovers from COVID-19, we are excited that construction will commence soon on this important investment for our community,” he said.
“This new facility will provide more opportunities for students and businesses to train apprentices across the region.”
The Goulburn Murray Trade Training Centre at Archer Street will feature a hand tool area, classrooms, skills bays, break out spaces and staff and student amenities, providing the perfect space to accommodate growing enrolments at GOTAFE including in Free TAFE courses. More than 85 per cent of GOTAFE students in Shepparton reported finding employment after graduating.
“This project is an enormous step towards economic prosperity and job security for the community,” Mr Heeney said.
“It will ensure locals are highly skilled in specific trades, while creating many employment and education opportunities to ensure our community are well-placed for the future.”
Gray Puksand are proud to be part of a project which will deliver such huge benefits to the community.
“We are really pleased to have been named the architects for this project, which will go a long way in providing training and creating more regional jobs,” Mark Freeman, Partner and Education Sector Lead said.
“Being able to help provide some of the best-in-class training facilities right here in Shepparton, to meet the needs of local industry and community, is a great opportunity.”
Construction is expected to start mid-2022 and last about two years and will create up to 300 local trade jobs. Up to 15 new education jobs will be created when the building opens.
The GOTAFE Archer Street campus works were funded as part of the Building Better TAFEs Fund in the Victorian Budget 2021/22.
Originally published on gotafe.vic.edu.au
