The Victorian Government has announced a $4.18 million fund for the state’s 10 tech schools as part of the 2021-22 Tech School Equipment Renewal Fund.
The fund will help the Tech Schools invest in cutting-edge equipment to build students’ skills in STEM and prepare them for the jobs of the future.
Education Minister James Merlino said the fund gave Victorian students access to technology that will build the skills needed for future careers.
“We know our fastest-growing industries and occupations need advanced STEM skills,” Merlino said.
“We’re proud to be supporting our future workforce by investing in the high-tech equipment that makes STEM so engaging, challenging students to tackle real-life problems.”
Yarra Ranges Tech School plans to purchase education robots in the aims of enhancing students’ experience and skills in advanced manufacturing, health care and social assistance and digital technologies.
The robots will support advancement in the farming, healthcare, artificial intelligence, self-driving cars and autonomous vehicles sectors.
Monash Tech School will purchase an FTIR spectrometer, a device that allows students to examine the composition of geology samples, metals and alloys, gemstones, precious metals, glass, polymers and plastics, and ceramics.
The FTIR spectrometer aims to help students enter the space industry and to conduct medical research.
Whittlesea Tech School is purchasing a second benchtop milling machine to ensure more students will see the creation of a product from start to finish.
This will support students’ pathways to advanced manufacturing industries.
Meanwhile, Ballarat Tech School plans to buy new Thermomix machines to double the capacity of their Bushfoods, Chocolate by Design and Future Food programs.
The purchase of the Thermomix machines will give students better hands-on learning opportunities through their Food and Fibre subject.
The fund is part of the Government’s continued investment in education hubs that lead the nation and preparing students for the future job market.
The Labour Government invested $128 million to establish the 10 Tech Schools in 2018 to give students access to the latest technologies.
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