The Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE has outlined a staged plan to bring together the former McGuire College site on Wilmot Rd and its existing Archer St campus, creating a more connected training environment for students, apprentices, teachers and industry.
The proposal would consolidate trades training currently delivered across Fryers St, Archer St and William Orr campuses, with the aim of increasing capacity and modernising facilities.
NVITAFE chief executive Phil Paterson said the precinct would help ensure local students and apprentices could access high-quality trades training close to home.
“Shepparton has strong trades training foundations already,” Mr Paterson said.
“This is about bringing those strengths together in a more connected, modern and practical way, so students can train in facilities that match the workplaces they are preparing to enter.”
The staged approach would first focus on strengthening the use of existing Shepparton training facilities, before progressing to a larger redevelopment of the former McGuire College site.
Early assessments indicate the stage two redevelopment would require an estimated $15 million investment.
Mr Paterson said demand for skilled workers across the region made investment in training infrastructure increasingly important.
“It would help us respond to demand in automotive, construction, electrotechnology, plumbing and emerging areas such as electric vehicles, while making better use of existing government-owned infrastructure,” he said.
“We have a clear opportunity in front of us. With government support, this project can move from a strong regional proposal to a practical investment in jobs, skills and opportunity for Shepparton and Northern Victoria.”
NVITAFE reported the precinct could increase training capacity in line with projected demand, providing an additional 100 to 200 apprentices depending on the course area.
NVITAFE executive director of trades education and contract delivery Graham Hart said the precinct would support stronger links between training, industry and skills.
“The trades are changing quickly. Employers need people who can work with new technology, modern equipment and contemporary safety expectations,” he said.
“A purpose-built precinct would give our apprentices the right environment to build those skills from day one.”
The proposal has also received support from local industry.
Watters Electrical general manager Chris Day said it would have a positive effect on apprentices and businesses.
“Local employers need a strong pipeline of skilled tradespeople, and that starts with access to quality training here in Shepparton,” he said.
NVITAFE said it would continue to work with government, industry and community partners to progress its vision for the precinct.
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