The Victorian Government is boosting the creative industry in North East Victoria, supporting Wodonga TAFE to give local art students a direct pathway to the workforce.
Graphic design students have been gaining industry-relevant experience at the TAFE’s new design hub, which was established with a $100,246 Victorian Government grant and features professional-standard equipment including computers, cameras, a high-end printer and an interactive board with large screen.
As part of their training, students undertake projects for local organisations and businesses, including creating logos and materials for the Veteran’s Hub, Apex Club, Albury Wodonga Bandits Basketball Club and Albury Tennis Club.
North Albury company Mad Marketing is among the local businesses to hire Wodonga TAFE design graduates, with six former students gaining ongoing positions so far.
There are similar success stories across the creative courses at Wodonga TAFE, with 100 per cent of Visual Arts students, 90 per cent of Interior Design students and 70 per cent of Building Design students finding a job after graduation. And more than 88 per cent of Design students reported satisfaction in their course.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said this project is exactly why it made a record investment in the state’s skills, training and higher education sector – to provide bright futures to Victorians while also meeting skills demands and strengthening the economy.
Wodonga TAFE CEO Phil Paterson the success of the creative hub is just the beginning.
“We’re already looking to expand it to open up opportunities for students in photography, interior design, fashion and hairdressing to further connect with local industry,” Paterson said.
The Victorian Government has bolstered other creative courses at Wodonga TAFE – investing $71,000 to support enrolments and equipment for students in the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration course and $44,000 to help Wodonga TAFE run the only regional Certificate III in Clothing and Textile Production course.
Since 2014, the government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding careers.
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