Premier Daniel Andrews promises $220 million fund to improve TAFE campuses

TAFE campuses across Victoria will be upgraded and rebuilt with a $220 million fund promised by the Andrews Government if it wins November’s election.

TAFE campuses across Victoria will be upgraded and rebuilt with a $220 million fund promised by the Andrews Government if it wins November’s state election.

Melbourne Polytechnic’s Collingwood campus would be the first to benefit after Premier Daniel Andrews announced a $40 million overhaul this morning.

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The new facilities would be focused on digital media, IT and creative arts courses.

Current students would likely have to study at other Melbourne Polytechnic campuses while the construction work is completed.

Mr Andrews said the $220 million fund, to be spent over four years if the government is re-elected, would provide TAFEs with “the best equipment and the best facilities”.

He said the government’s infrastructure agenda meant TAFE courses were in “very high demand” for young Victorians wanting to work on major construction projects.

Premier Daniel Andrews at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Collingwood campus. Picture: AAP

“First, we saved TAFE. Now, we’re making it better than ever, with free courses and revamped campuses,” Mr Andrews said.

“Only Labor understands the difference TAFE can make to people’s lives and their chances of getting a good job.”

Further TAFE upgrades are expected to be announced during the state election campaign.

The government has also reinstated trade papers, which workers can provide to their employers to demonstrate their qualifications.

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