Strategic investment in construction education lauded

New $50m construction training center to tackle workforce shortages in Melbourne

Strategic investment in construction education lauded

News

By Mina Martin

Master Builders Australia has expressed strong support for the newly announced Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence.

The initiative represents a significant commitment, with a combined $50 million funding from the federal and Victorian governments aimed at revolutionising construction education and addressing the pressing labor shortages in the industry.

Addressing workforce shortages

The construction sector has been vocal about the acute shortage of skilled labor, estimating a need for an additional 130,000 workers to meet the demands of housing and infrastructure development.

This center of excellence is poised to be a transformative force in the industry by focusing on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), which are crucial for enhancing productivity and efficiency in building projects.

Boosting workforce skills and industry productivity

Shaun Schmitke, deputy CEO of Master Builders Australia, has lauded the government’s commitment to establishing a TAFE Centre for Excellence.

“Master Builders Australia is very pleased with the government’s investment into a new TAFE Centre for Excellence which will help address workforce shortages and boost productivity in the industry,” Schmitke said.

He stressed the persistent advocacy by Master Builders for solutions to workforce challenges, which are a major bottleneck in the industry's productivity.

A forward-looking educational initiative

The Centre of Excellence is set to play a pivotal role in preparing a new generation of construction professionals.

By focusing on MMC and systems, the center will equip students with advanced skills and innovative techniques essential for the future of construction.

Master Builders Australia is keen on collaborating with the government on applied research and practical solutions to industry challenges through this initiative.

Investment in construction education

The establishment of the Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence is a proactive step towards mitigating workforce shortages and elevating the construction industry to new heights of innovation and productivity.

This strategic investment promises to create a robust pipeline of skilled labour, essential for sustaining the growth and evolution of the building sector.

Get the hottest and freshest mortgage news delivered right into your inbox. Subscribe now to our FREE daily newsletter.

Related Stories

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!