Media releases

Funding announced today by the Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education, The Hon. Gayle Tierney MP, will deliver state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to benefit students and apprentices at Federation TAFE. 

The $2.1 million from the Victorian Government’s TAFE and Facilities Fund (TEFF) will be used for projects ranging from modernising the Prospects training restaurant to refurbishment works to   deliver Australia’s first apprenticeship for wind turbine blade technicians. 

Other projects include: 

• A new Computer Numerical Control Machine for cabinet making students. 

• Upgrading IT infrastructure at the Ballarat SMB campus to support online learning for Certificate III in Carpentry apprentices. 

• New side-by-side vehicles for Agriculture students. 

• Refurbishment of a greenhouse used by trainees and apprentices for horticulture, landscaping, parks and gardens and land management qualifications. 

Federation Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley welcomed the funding, saying it was an investment in the future of Federation TAFE students and apprentices. 

Federation TAFE student, Stephen Fitzpatrick, is in his second year of a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and believes that having the right equipment will set up trainees for success. 

Stephen was recently awarded the Hip Pocket Award at the 2022 TAFE Awards for Excellence for this outstanding academic achievement. He has secured employment with local restaurant, Moon and Mountain, as an apprentice and now has big plans to work in fine dining after completing his apprenticeship and study. 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Australia Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley 

“We have a key role to play in driving economic growth and jobs in our regions. This funding will give our students the best possible equipment to train with, enabling them to enter the workforce with all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.” 

Quote attributable to Federation University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education and Training) and CEO TAFE, Liam Sloan 

“It is a time of growth for Federation TAFE, the funding we are receiving will give us the leg up we need to deliver quality programs to our students.” 

“We are looking forward to revitalising our hospitality precinct, so we can contribute to sustainable growth in the hospitality workforce, which desperately needs skilled people.” 

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE student, Stephen Fitzpatrick. 

“Having access to the latest equipment is really important because the fundamentals are so crucial for any aspiring chef, and because the cooking world moves so fast, with trends and new techniques.” 

“It's vital to make sure that training cookery students have access to quality facilities and equipment to make sure they are ready for the working world.”