Baking students are gaining hands-on experience in an industry-standard environment and world-class facilities following an investment by the Labor Government.

Labor Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison visited Federation University’s SMB campus in Ballarat today to officially open the new Baking Training Centre.

The Government invested almost $840,000 in funding towards the new facility to support Federation University to purchase and install commercial-grade equipment so students can train in world-class facilities.

Federation University also contributed more than $700,000 to refurbish their training facilities.

Recent changes to the Certificate III in Bread Baking means apprentices will further expand their skills and improve their long-term job outcomes.

Ms Addison said the Baking Training Centre has established Federation University as a specialist training provider in this field and allows students to gain the experience they need to work in a commercial baking environment.

“These facilities will train Ballarat’s next generation of bakers. It means apprentices can build new skills to start their career right here in Ballarat,” Ms Addison said.

“We’re investing in TAFEs right across Victoria and what we are seeing on the ground is a revived sector that is delivering the training Victorians need in facilities that are world class,” she said.

Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said the new centre has exceeded all expectations.

“The new Baking Training Centre will allow students to learn new skills in artisan bread making, croissants and other fine pastries that require specialist equipment and training,” Ms Bartlett said.

“The new centre will see Federation TAFE in Ballarat become the training hub for baking apprentices across Victoria,” she said.

The project is funded under the Regional and Specialist Training Fund, part of the Labor Government’s Skills First initiative, which is delivering training to respond to industry-led demand for specific skills in regions and specialist areas that are not being adequately met in the current training market.

Since 2015, the Labor Government has committed more than $1.3 billion to rebuild our TAFE and training system and ensure students can get the skills they need for the jobs they want.