- Published:
- Thursday 17 August 2017
Construction has begun on the new Tech School in Melbourne’s outer North East, fully funded by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Education James Merlino, Member for Eltham Vicki Ward and Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines today turned the first sod on the new Banyule-Nillumbik Tech School.
The Tech School will give nearly 14,000 students from 18 government and non-government schools access to high-tech, specialised learning in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills.
It will be a shared hub available free of charge for students from partner schools as part of their regular schooling.
Hosted at the Melbourne Polytechnic at its Greensborough campus, the Tech School will focus on growth industries including scientific and technical services, healthcare and social assistance, and entrepreneurial skills.
The building will include digital and physical creation spaces, an area dedicated to industry partners, and a space for students to present their ideas and creations.
The Tech School is one of 10 being delivered as part of the Labor Government’s $128 million Tech School initiative, and is expected to open in mid-2018.
These state-of-the-art facilities will use high-tech equipment, such as 3D printers, audio visual platforms, robotics and virtual reality, to deliver advanced education in STEM.
It is part of the Labor Government’s plan to boost performance in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, including a 25 per cent increase in the number of year nine students reaching the highest level of achievement in maths and 33 per cent more 15-year-olds reaching the highest levels in science by 2025.
For more information about Tech Schools visit: techschools.education.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“The Banyule-Nillumbik Tech School will provide students from 18 surrounding schools the opportunity to develop the skills they need for the jobs of the future.”
“Tech Schools bring together schools, industry, local government, TAFE and universities to allow students to find real-life solutions to real-life problems using the latest technologies.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eltham Vicki Ward
“Students will have access to leading edge technology and the specialist expertise of staff from Melbourne Polytechnic. They will be given the opportunity to thrive in an exciting and innovative environment.”
Quote attributable to Member for Ivanhoe Anthony Carbines
“From mid-2018, local students will have a high-tech learning centre on their doorstep that will help them be ready for the jobs of the 21st century.”