The Victorian government is establishing new horticulture and agriculture facilities at South West TAFE’s Glenormiston campus, boosting training opportunities in south-west Victoria’s thriving food and fibre sector.
“Glenormiston College is loved by the local community and plays a huge role in agricultural training in Victoria – which is why we’re proud to have reopened it and now we’re making on-site training better than ever,” Victorian minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said.
Works are underway on the $2 million upgrade of the Glenormiston site, which will feature a new hothouse, garden beds, workshop, refurbished classrooms and the introduction of new agriculture technologies to deliver education to Victoria’s future primary production workforce.
“The revitalisation of Glenormiston and expanded training at the site is a vital part of our plan to ensure Victoria has the skilled workers it needs for our thriving agriculture and horticulture sectors,” minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said.
The upgrades also include classroom and workshop areas for practical and theory lessons, including artificial breeding programs for dairy and cattle industries to accommodate a growing cohort of students.
As part of their studies, agriculture and horticulture students will be invited to contribute to the care and conservation of the picturesque homestead gardens and pastures.
On-site accommodation, including short-stay accommodation for 24 students and staff, will be refurbished to house participants of specialist workshops and programs. The investment will also support new fire protection systems to meet occupational health and safety and fire standards, security systems and storage facilities.
About 20 local workers, including apprentices, are undertaking the upgrade works – which are expected to be finished later this year in time for Semester One in 2022.
“Glenormiston has a proud history of delivering agriculture training, and we will be working closely with our food and fibre stakeholders to ensure our future programs meet the rapidly changing needs of the sector,” South West TAFE CEO Mark Fidge said.
The upgrades have been funded through the Victorian government’s $2.6 billion Delivering for Regional and Rural Victorians Program.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 includes a $383.8 million investment in the sector to ensure more Victorians get the training they need for in-demand jobs.