On-site training simulating the multi-disciplinary nature and timeframes of real construction projects are part of the curriculum at a new trades training centre officially opened in Melbourne.
RMIT University’s new $20 million Trades Innovation Centre at the Bundoora East campus is helping to create job-ready graduates for worksites across Victoria.
The centre offers five different trades programs, with purpose-built skills bays and state-of-the-art equipment, where students will have access a range of support services and partners to enhance their learning, including Empowered Women in Trades.
Included in the programs are building and construction, carpentry, plumbing and electrotechnology that will complement ‘earn and learn’ student work placements and apprenticeships.
“On-site training will simulate the multi-disciplinary nature and timeframes of real construction projects, with a focus on non-technical skills like communication and collaboration,” RMIT stated.
The university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education Mish Eastman said the world-class training would also address local skills demands.
“The new centre will connect the dots between the next generation of tradies, industry and employers, to support projects in the northern growth corridor and across the state,” he explained.
Trades Innovation Centre Program Manager, Donna Sullivan, said the new centre is a place for people to pursue a rewarding career in trades no matter what their background is.
“School wasn’t my strength, but then I found trades,” Ms Sullivan revealed. “I always say, I may not be able to read Harry Potter but I can build Hogwarts,”
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia and at the helm of our magazine for 8 years. She was behind the Institute's weekly news bulletins from 2016-2021 and is now writing our focused news items. Desi has been an engineering news and features journalist/editor across all disciplines since 2013 - part of a 30-year career writing for a wide range of industries.