News & Events
Automotive Centre of Excellence Open Day a Success
28 November 2006
Over 380 people enjoyed the inaugural Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) Open Day at the Docklands on Sunday 26 November.
'It was a big success,' said Chris Barnes, Manager, Automotive Body & Specialist Trades. 'We've had fantastic feedback from the apprentice employers who attended.'
'There was food, live music and sponsor display stands from Wurth and Repco. Uniformed staff were situated around the site so visitors could walk through at their own pace and ask questions when they needed.'
The day was a great opportunity for the ACE's business partners, automotive apprentices and their employers to check out the first stage of the new, multi-million dollar centre.
The ACE incorporates Victoria's largest automotive training provider, Kangan Batman TAFE, and currently houses the vehicle body trades-automotive refinishing, panel beating and body making in an innovative new building.
'We at Kangan Batman TAFE are very excited about the prospects for our industry,' said Kangan Batman CEO, Ray Griffiths. 'The Australian automotive industry is already achieving excellence, and the purpose of the ACE and our approach is to continue building competitiveness through excellent training, and to promote this to the world.'
With the Victorian government contributing $20.5 million to Stage One of the ACE it is set to become the focal point of the Victorian automotive industry with future Stages to include all of Kangan Batman TAFE's automotive training, research and development facilities shared with other educational institutions, conference facilities, an auditorium and multi-deck car park.
Photos of the day are available on request.
