Australia Post

Early in 2008, Australia Post and VU's School of Engineering and Industrial Training began negotiations to train a group of existing female workers from Australia Post to become truck drivers (Heavy Rigid licence), to use forklifts and gain the relevant licence and skills to work in a warehouse environment. A skill set of competency units was selected and the program was offered to Australia Post staff.

Bendigo Bank

VU and the Bendigo Bank have had a long relationship that has benefited both students and the bank. Bendigo Bank's first branch outside Bendigo was opened in Footscray and moved to new premises in November 2007. Our TAFE marketing students worked with and assisted the bank by developing a presentation on the history of Footscray shown at the launch of the new branch, as well as serving drinks and food, and interacting with those at the event.

Central Melbourne Skills Store

Victoria University and WCP Group launched the thirteenth Skills Store in Victoria in July 2008.

The Skills Store program was created by the Victorian State Government to make vocational education and training accessible to all workers through a shop-front location at the Flinders Street Campus.

The Central Melbourne Skills Store will help individuals gain recognition for their skills and fast-track towards the qualifications they need to achieve the job they want.

Energise Enterprise 08

Energise Enterprise 08 - Victoria's Small Business Festival is an annual Victorian Government initiative aimed at raising private and public sector support for small business. During August 2008 Victoria University hosted six events as part of the festival. The events ranged from a business expo to specialised seminars.

Flexible Drive Agencies

Flexible Drive Agencies is a mechanical and electromechanical manufacturing company headquartered in the north-western suburb of Kensington. VU students worked with the business providing IT solutions to problems. The business acknowledged the benefits of the work undertaken by students and provided a $5,000 scholarship and eight-week work placement to three final-year students. This was achieved as a result of a partnership between VU, Flexible Drive Agencies and the Victorian Government.

Linking local and global

In December 2007 the Faculty of Health Engineering and Science hosted the International Conference on Engineering Education and Research. The conference provided an opportunity to introduce local engineers to international delegates, resulting in an exchange of ideas.

Melbourne Business Network

VU and Melbourne Business Network have worked together for a number of years. When the network changed its name from the West End Business Association to Melbourne Business Network, VU's TAFE design students created a new image and logo. This was unveiled by the (then) Lord Mayor of Melbourne, John So.

Metropolitan and rural ambulance services (in conjunction with the Department of Human Services)

Under this partnership, a scholarship award funded by Ambulance Services Victoria was set up to provide financial assistance to students who may not otherwise be able to satisfactorily complete their studies.

QENOS

QENOS is a manufacturing business located in Altona. QENOS provided the Office for Industry and Community Engagement (OICE) with a significant amount of laboratory glassware for use by students in higher education and vocational education (TAFE).

Regional business awards

Over many years Victoria University has contributed to, and sponsored awards such as the Wyndham Business Awards, Melton Business Excellence Awards and the Greater Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards by assisting with shortlisting finalists and judging the events.

Women Wellness West Network (WWW Network)

The WWW Network and VU partnership was formed in 2005. It is made up of a number of organisations in the western region of Melbourne including Women's Health West, Western Health, ISIS Primary Care, Western Region Health Centre and Maribyrnong City Council. The WWW Network is committed to promoting women's health and wellness in culturally diverse communities. Between 2005 and 2008 the Network has hosted a series of public seminars, inviting experts to speak on a variety of health issues.

Wyndham Water Wise Expo

The Water Wise Expo is an annual event at Wyndham City Council. VU's Institute for Sustainability and Innovation contributes to the event by providing information and advice about the research and work undertaken by the institute and how it can benefit industry, business and the community.

Yarraville lunch

The Yarraville Village Traders Lunch is highlighted on the foodies' calendar. It occurs in autumn on the street outside The Sun Theatre. Hundreds of people gather to eat food supplied by local traders while being waited on by TAFE hospitality students. The day's experience earns students credit for their course.