New beginning: Echuca Campus lead Paul Stagg, Campaspe Mayor Rob Amos, Bendigo TAFE acting chief executive officer Janelle Arena and Bendigo TAFE’s head of campus Dave Richardson.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
The new Skills and Jobs Centre at the Echuca campus of Bendigo TAFE was officially opened on Thursday, November 9.
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The centre, which aims to deliver job-ready candidates across the Campaspe region, joins more than 30 others across the state.
About 50 guests, from training organisations, employer groups and government organisations, were at the grand opening.
Campus lead Paul Stagg said it was a momentous day for all involved.
“Skills and job centres work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, whether it be youth, students, the unemployed or career changers, parents or employees seeking to improve their standing,” Mr Stagg said.
“The skills and job centres are a vehicle to allow individuals to make more informed choices regarding their career and educational pathways.
“This institution is staffed by qualified professionals who help provide independent advice to individuals on achieving their training or career goals. Whether it be one-to-one consultations or workshops.”
Bendigo TAFE’s acting chief executive officer Janelle Arena spoke about the importance the facility has had and will continue to have in regional Victoria.
“At Bendigo TAFE, we’ve been connecting people with skills and training for the past 150 years,” Mrs Arena said.
“Our Echuca campus, right here in the heart of Echuca, is a key part of our positive impact.”
Victorian Skills Authority director of engagement Katrina Currie said centres such as the one in Echuca filled a key need in the training and employment space.
Official opening: Uncle Rick Ronnan opened the proceedings with a Welcome to Country ceremony, which saw the guests bathing in the smoke of endemic eucalyptus trees.
Photo by
Aidan Briggs
“There are more than 35 skills and jobs centres across Victoria, including mobile and outreach services,” Mrs Currie said.
“Nearly 20,000 Victorians use skills and jobs centres yearly, which offer professional careers counselling, career adviser services, workshops and support in identifying training pathways.”
Campaspe Shire Mayor Rob Amos said the new centre would be asset for the region.
“Bendigo TAFE has had a presence here for a long time. And the facility is expanding to provide the Skills and Jobs Centre, which will link people with the job with the specific skills tailored to a wide demographic,” Cr Amos said.
“While people’s jobs change, wherever you may be in your life, people’s jobs change. Whatever job you choose, you can get the skills and training to ensure you are ready for the next job.”
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