Media releases

Federation University’s Wimmera Campus has welcomed over 90 returning and commencing Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) from across the Wimmera Southern Mallee.  

Students from Warracknabeal, Murtoa, Dimboola, Nhill, Rainbow, Hopetoun, Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and Horsham Special School are undergoing hands-on training in a range of career enhancing fields, with COVIDSafe measures in place. 

Their studies will give them a pathway into the $3.6 billion Wimmera Mallee economy in areas such as agribusiness, energy, health and other trades and service businesses.  

Students will use Federation TAFE’s first-class training facilities under the guidance of its specialist teachers – many of them themselves local – in trades and professions.  

Nationally recognised qualifications available to school-age VET students via the Wimmera Campus include: 

• Cert II Salon Assistant  
• Cert II Health  
• Cert II Plumbing  
• Cert II Automotive  
• Cert II Electrotechnology  
• Cert II Building & Construction. 

Quotes attributable to Wimmera Campus Federation University Head of Campus Geoff Lord 

“Local teachers are delivering Salon Assistant, Health, Automotive, Electrotechnology and Building and Construction, a great boost to the local workforce from experienced professionals giving back to the next generation.”  

“Federation are pleased to see the facilities on Wimmera Campus being utilised to meet the workforce demands of local businesses.”  

“Students can expect to put their training into action engaging in the thriving Wimmera Mallee economy, which, from experience, often sees members of the VETDSS cohort gaining employment before they graduate.”  

Quote attributable to Pro Vice-Chancellor VET and Chief Executive TAFE, Liam Sloan  

“At Federation TAFE we are committed to growing the student numbers and course offerings in Horsham to meet demands of local people and businesses. VETDSS is crucial in that process.”