The Andrews Labor Government is boosting education, skills and innovation in the heart of Victoria’s second biggest regional city, with the launch of Federation University’s Co-operative Centre of Excellence.

Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today opened the new centre for industry and education in Ballarat’s CBD – made possible by a $9.5 million Labor Government investment.

The Co-operative Centre of Excellence is home to new learning and teaching spaces, research facilities and purpose-built areas to support community and industry engagement. This includes new, modern breakout spaces, recording pods and focus group rooms.

The new spaces feature the latest audio visual and communication technology, making it the ideal venue for community events, functions, business meetings and education sessions.

This centre will help Federation University achieve its commitment to embed co-operative learning in all university degrees and TAFE courses. Through tailored educational pathways including Work Integrated Learning, students learn the skills they need to support local employers.

Federation University’s co-operative approach to learning continues to reap benefits for graduate students, with the University enjoying a 25-year partnership with IBM, with over 75 per cent of Bachelor of IT (Professional Practice) graduates being employed by the global information technology giant.

Government funding for the Federation University Co-operative Centre of Excellence was provided through the $350 million Higher Education State Investment Fund.

The Fund supports universities with capital works, applied research and research infrastructure projects that boost productivity and Victoria’s economy as the state recovers from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Quote attributable to Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney

“This Centre of Excellence is a great example of government, universities, and industry working together to ensure regional areas have the highly skilled workers they need to fill great jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle

“This is a fantastic opportunity for students to get valuable hands-on job experience and will mean our local businesses get skilled and highly trained workers.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“We’re proud to have invested in this exciting project that will enhance Ballarat’s reputation as a leading innovative city, create local jobs and grow the economy.”

Quote attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley

“Thanks to the support of the Andrews Labor Government, Federation University has been able to create a state-of-the-art collaborative space that will bring students to the heart of Ballarat, where they can connect with business and industry to support the city’s prosperity.”