For over 150 years, Bendigo TAFE has had a proud history of connecting people with opportunities to help them grow and flourish. Our Echuca campus in the heart of this thriving regional city is a modern facility that supports the community to discover new skills and opportunities.
Bendigo TAFE’s Echuca lead, Paul Stagg, is enthusiastic about the innovative ways that the community is engaging with the campus.
“As well as the TAFE qualifications that we deliver which provide training and pathways, we are working closely with local organisations to develop other programs that meet the needs of our vibrant region,” Paul said.
“One of our recent success stories is the ‘Supporting Skills for the Future’ trade taster course. Students from three secondary colleges completed a nine-week program that gave them an immersive hands-on experience in a range of trades, such as bricklaying, tiling, painting and plastering. The students also earned their White Card, an essential qualification that allows them to work safely in the building industry.”
“This program was only possible through the support of the Industry Training Hub and our close collaboration with schools, industry and the Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network. It’s a fantastic model that shows how Bendigo TAFE can bring our community together to provide such an opportunity right here in Echuca. We plan to use this as a springboard for similar courses in the future.”
According to Paul Stagg, the relationships that Bendigo TAFE is building will be pivotal to transforming the campus into a community training hub.
“We’re always working with local stakeholders to identify ways that we can tailor what we offer. This helps us ensure that our actions can have the greatest impact. Through our engagement with industry, schools, local government and the broader community, we’re well placed to respond to the region’s needs.”
Free, independent training and career advice
As well as connecting people with training, the Echuca campus also provides independent career and pathway advice with the launch of the new Skills and Jobs Centre. Available to everyone in the local community, it is a one-stop shop for help with education options and know-how for getting employment-ready.
Josie Thomas, manager of Bendigo TAFE’s Skills and Jobs Centre, explained how the centre’s services can link community members with training that is right for them, and assist them with job search advice and employability skills.
“We’re here to help people find the right educational pathway or prepare for employment. If you are looking to re-enter education to enhance your skills or would like career guidance – including making a complete career change – we can support you.”
“Our qualified career counsellor can provide you with free and impartial advice. We offer confidential 1-on-1 consultations and deliver group workshops to help you develop your employability skills – whether you need support with resume writing, getting work-ready, job searching tips or preparing for interviews.”
To find out more about how the Skills and Jobs Centre can help you, and to make an appointment, phone 1300 100 606 or email skillsandjobscentre@bendigotafe.edu.au
