The 2023-24 Victorian State Budget announced an investment of $116 million, which includes $10 million for the Clean Energy Equipment Fund, to establish 6 new Tech Schools in Warrnambool, Hume, Dandenong, Brimbank, Wangaratta and Frankston. This will enable an additional 62,000 Victorian secondary students to access a Tech School. Tech Schools provide hands-on, immersive STEM learning experiences outside the classroom to secondary school students in their surrounding Local Government Areas. Tech Schools familiarise students with the latest industry technology and deliver the practical and future career-linked education that they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.
Students attend the Tech Schools for single or multi-day programs, in which experts guide them in using design thinking processes to develop creative solutions to real-world problems. In addition, Tech Schools have been successful in engaging priority cohorts (such as girls and First Nations students) through targeted programs. Teachers across Victoria participate in professional development programs at all 10 Tech Schools, which build their confidence and capabilities in teaching STEM and implementing learning approaches and programs in their schools.
Tech Schools are hosted by local tertiary providers (TAFEs or universities) and develop partnerships with local industry, communities and secondary schools, with support from the department’s central and regional offices. Partners have an important role in developing programs which drive students’ interest in STEM career pathways, connect them with world class technology and align with local industry.
Principal Design Consultant - Brand Architects
· Brand Architects is a Melbourne and Geelong based practice focused on the delivery of innovative, environmentally and socially responsible architecture. brandarchitects.com.au
Project Management Consultant - TSA Riley
· TSA Riley is a global company with 10 offices in Australia. TSA Riley works across public and private primary, secondary, tertiary and technical education facilities. tsariley.com
Quantity Surveying Consultant - Project Cost Management Group
· Project Cost Management Group is a dynamic firm with experience in Project Cost Management dedicated to providing accurate and timely cost advice to successfully manage project capital and maintenance expenditure. pcmg.com.au
Head Contractor (Main Works) - A.W. Nicholson Pty Ltd
· A.W. Nicholson Pty Ltd is a family-owned construction company based in regional Victoria that specializes in commercial and industrial building projects. awnicholson.com.au
7,500 students from 26 Secondary Schools will have access to Warrnambool Tech School. Our program will offer contextual and place-based experiences that reflect in-demand and emerging opportunities.
Tech Schools provide high-tech, immersive STEM learning experiences to secondary school students. We partner with industry and community to present students with real-world challenges and opportunities. The unique setting should inspire students and encourage curiosity, creativity and collaboration. We deliver programs in a student-centred approach that utilises design thinking and enterprise skills.
Core programs (including transport) are free for our 26 local partner schools in the South-West Region. There will be scope for industry immersions and extended masterclasses for interested students. Students get a feel of the SWTAFE tertiary institution and build aspiration for further study. Specialist priority group programs e.g. girls, First Nations, VCE VM and students with disability.
To ensure relevance and ongoing learning, school representatives will co-design program content. Remote disadvantaged schools can access Tech School programs via mobile learning experiences. Industry and enterprise partners will inform projects that reflect current and emerging work trends. Local community groups will be able to host events and participate in various workshops.
Rohan Keert
Director
rohan.keert@swtafe.edu.au
Jordan Smith
Head of Programs
Jordan.Smith@swtafe.edu.au
Four priorities have been identified using an evidence-based model that considers the region’s unique context. It draws upon input from a wide range of stakeholders. Our priorities are:
Tech Explorers - 1 Day programs
| Agri Futures | Sustainable Solutions |
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High Tech Harvest |
Future Fuels Lab Water Guardians |
| Tech Innovations | Digital Creatives |
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Near Automata |
Game Zone! |
Tech Tasters - 60 Minute Programs
