Construction
The Trades College offers a wide range of courses in building and construction from pre-employment programs through to para-professional skill development.
On this page
Specialisation and expertise
We provide an innovative learning platform. Our construction program is designed to meet the new and emerging requirements of the industry and will provide flow-on benefits for economic development within the region.
Our blended approach to learning, combines theory with practical to ensure strong understanding. VU’s construction training has been developed so students can see the techniques being implemented, showing the relevance of the training, increases retention and understanding that leads greater success.
Our industry respected teaching team is committed to providing a dynamic and responsive approach to skills development.
Bricklaying
Victoria University offers a great range of training opportunities in bricklaying.
Our program produces skilled bricklayers to help alleviate a skills shortage in the industry.
We have strong partnerships with employers and the community. The industry has embraced our programs, with employers from across the region offering the students meaningful employment opportunities.
Find your course in Bricklaying
Bricklaying courses
Phone: +61 3 9919 8493
Email: bricklaying@vu.edu.au
Carpentry and Joinery
Our carpentry and joinery programs offer hands-on training. Students will work on building an industry-standard one-bedroom transportable home which includes a cathedral ceiling, timber floor, bathroom, kitchen and lounge room.
VU students learn to be skilled craftspeople working with timber to construct, install and maintain buildings, furniture and other objects.
Find your course in Carpentry and Joinery
Carpentry and Joinery courses
Phone: +61 3 9919 8493
Email: carpentry@vu.edu.au
Furniture and Cabinet Making
Our furniture and cabinet making programs introduce our students to the woodworking skills to create cabinets, shelving and furniture using specific tools and techniques.
Our training programs are responsive to student expectations and employers needs.
Find your course in Furniture and Cabinet Making
Furniture and Cabinet Making courses
Phone: + 61 3 9919 8408
Email: furniture@vu.edu.au
Email: cabinetmaking@vu.edu.au
Plumbing
Plumbers are an essential component to the well-being of our community. Without them, there would be no sewerage, fresh water, gas or roofs over people's heads.
Our teaching team have extensive industry experience. We are harnessing this industry currency to develop the next generation of plumbers.
Plumbing courses
Phone: +61 3 9919 7300
Email: plumbing@vu.edu.au
Sign Writing
Traditional paints and brushes have been replaced by complex software, materials and techniques that generate many of the designs we see every day on shops and cars.
Our students gain training and experience in all aspects of sign manufacture required for internal and external advertising.
Victoria University is the state's only provider of sign industry training.
Find your course in Sign Writing
Sign Writing courses
Phone: +61 3 9919 7300
Email: signwriting@vu.edu.au
See examples of sign work on Facebook
Sunshine Construction Futures
Take a virtual tour of the Sunshine Campus Construction Futures Project
The Sunshine Construction Futures project will provide a new purpose-built, innovative facility to support the development of the building and construction industries in Melbourne's west.
Located at the Sunshine Campus in the heart of Melbourne's extensive building and construction industry, this state-of-the-art training facility will allow VU to meet the new and emerging requirements of the industry and will provide flow-on benefits for economic development within the region.
New concepts for trade related education will be introduced providing an innovative learning platform. One of these unique features is a design that semi-exposes the building fabric. This will allow students to learn by viewing the construction methods and materials of the actual building and present a better education and understanding of the industry they are joining.
The 6 Green Star rated building will be an example of environmental design excellence incorporating the latest renewable energy, water preservation, solar design and temperature technologies to reduce VU’s carbon footprint.
Kane Constructions has commenced work on the $44 million Construction Futures project designed by Cox Architects to provide a first class centre from which to deliver construction and building training.
EcoLiving Centre
The EcoLiving Centre is being established in the western suburbs of Melbourne to educate, inform and demonstrate the benefits of sustainable living.
The Centre is an existing Californian bungalow located at Selwyn Park, Albion. The bungalow is being retrofitted with a range of products to promote sustainable building practices. Once completed, it will be a meeting place, learning space and practical workshop for the community to promote and learn about environmental sustainable living.
We've partnered with the Brimbank City Council and are supported by various community partners.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Are you currently working in the building industry and not qualified? Have your existing work and knowledge recognised. Victoria University can help you earn an industry qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Contact our team for more information:
Phone: +61 3 9919 8493
Email: buildingconstruction@vu.edu.au
Gap Training - Skills Assessment Program
We provide additional training for license preparation for fields including Metals, Electrical and Plumbing.
Plumbing applicants will require a provisional registration from the Plumbing Industry Commission prior to enrolment and training.
Short courses
We run short courses in all our program areas. They are a great opportunity to learn new skills and keep your training up to date.
- Upgrade your business, communication and computer skills.
- Gain credits for your next qualification.
- Have fun learning something new.
Tour our facilities
You are invited to visit us for a first hand look at our campuses and facilities.
This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the courses you are considering, find out what to expect at Victoria University and meet some of your future teachers.
Please contact us to make an appointment:
Melton Campus
When: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Phone: +61 3 9919 7530
Email: buildingconstruction@vu.edu.au
Sunshine Campus
When: Wednesday
Phone: +61 3 9919 7530
Email: buildingconstruction@vu.edu.au
Werribee Campus
When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Phone: +61 3 9919 7649 or +61 401 385 301
Email: buildingconstruction@vu.edu.au