Futuristic teaching equipment comes to VU

Victoria Polytechnic, Victoria University’s TAFE division, will receive more than $550,000 in state government funding for futuristic, specialised teaching equipment.

Robots, virtual reality goggles, computerised mannequins, innovative software, and simulation equipment will be added to Victoria Polytechnic’s health, beauty, and community service courses, helping students to learn through real-life scenarios.

Students will train in upgraded clinical teaching laboratories to experience the journey of pharmaceuticals through the body’s digestive and circulatory system, for example, or work on high-tech mannequins that can simulate patient symptoms.

Victoria Polytechnic’s paramedicine students will train in new sophisticated pods located in a simulated ambulance, replicating the procedures they would do in real-work situations.

Victoria Polytechnic Executive Director Grant Dreher said the funding will not only allow students to keep up with rapidly changing technology in these sectors. It  will also offer opportunities for its health-based students in areas such as nursing, aged care, disability work, and remedial massage to collaborate and play an integrated role in client and patient care.

“This money allows us to develop contemporary training products and upgrade to the latest technologies to ensure our graduates are skilled for the jobs of tomorrow, while helping reinvigorate TAFE training in Melbourne’s West,” he said.

Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney said TAFE institutes and dual-sector universities such as Victoria University have identified an urgent need to upgrade equipment to keep up with industry needs.

“With new and emerging industries transforming the workforce, it is essential that Victoria’s TAFEs can provide training that meets the technology needs of these industries.”