Building begins for Wyndham Tech school

Construction began today on Wyndham Tech School, a Victoria-University–hosted facility that will prepare thousands of Wyndham secondary school students for high-tech jobs of the future.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Rhonda Hawkins joined Victorian Education Minister James Merlino and other officials at VU’s Werribee Campus in a sod-turning ceremony for the facility. The project is scheduled for completion by mid-2018.

Focus on STEM subjects

Wyndham Tech School, a collaboration between VU, secondary school partners, industry and community, is part of a $128 million Department of Education project to build 10 Centres of Technological Excellence across the state with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education.

• health
• transport and logistics
• scientific and professional services
• construction.

Up to 12,000 Wyndham high school students from 18 local partner schools will have access to the facility’s 3D printers, robotics, virtual-reality studios, simulation hubs, and interactive classes.

Minister Merlino said the Tech School initiative is being rolled out across the state as part of the Victorian Government’s plan to boost student performance in STEM subjects.

“Western suburbs students now have on their doorstep a learning centre that will help them be ready for the jobs of the 21st century,” he said.

Education & industry collaborate in tech learning

Ms Hawkins said Wyndham Tech School will serve as a focal point for education innovation “by bringing together the expertise of industry and business, with the fresh young minds of students, all within a dynamic learning environment.”

Tech School students will have access to the expertise of VU staff, with clear pathways from secondary school into VU’s TAFE division, Victoria Polytechnic, and to Victoria University.

The curriculum will focus on local industry areas forecast for the greatest growth, with links to local industry and future job opportunities.

The facility will collaborate with local government, business and training organisations including:

• Wyndham City Council
• LEADWest
• WynBay LLEN (Local Learning and Employment Network)
• Committee for Wyndham.

Wyndham Tech School will also be available to VU staff and students, as well as to business, industry and the broader community.

Gray Puksand are the designers and architects on the project.