News & Events
Minister Allan announces stage two at the Automotive Centre of Excellence
Thursday 30 April 2009
The future success of the automotive training industry in Victoria took a positive step forward today when the Minister for Skills and Workforce Participation Jacinta Allan officially launched stage two of the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) project.
Industry members and representatives from some of the automotive sector's leading organisations attended the event, which included a turning of the first sod, to signal the next step in the multi-million dollar development.
Kangan Batman TAFE CEO Ray Griffiths said the event was a great opportunity to showcase the ACE facility to key players in the automotive sector.
"This ceremony represents the official start of work on stage two of the ACE project today - a red letter day for both Kangan Batman TAFE and the automotive industry," he said.
"From today, the ball will continue to roll and gather momentum as the pieces of stage two begin to fall into place.
"The ACE site in the vibrant Docklands precinct will be a hive of activity over the coming months as we create what will be the most advanced automotive training facility in the southern hemisphere."
The combined stages one and two of the ACE will house Kangan Batman TAFE's automotive training centres which cover all trades in the repair, service and retail sector of the industry. Stage one has already received excellent reviews and has set benchmarks across the state, not only in the delivery of training, but also for sustainable building design.
As the state's largest provider of automotive training, Kangan Batman TAFE is committed to continually developing learning opportunities and reflecting the skill demands of the competitive Victorian automotive industry.
The realisation of the ACE is an essential element of this strategic direction, partnering with industry leaders to provide students access to state-of-the-art training facilities and teaching staff.
Funded by Skills Victoria and Kangan Batman TAFE, the $84.32million stage two development will continue to strengthen links between the automotive industry and the tertiary education sector.
"With its primary goal to bring together automotive training, research and development in one precinct, the ACE is supporting the progress of the automotive industry well into the 21st century," Ray said.
"In just a few short years, the facility has become a key player in the rapidly developing field of automotive technology, involved in new research and application of improved fuels, engines and automotive design technology.
"Planning for this ambitious project has been in the pipeline for nearly a decade, and many talented, passionate people have worked hard to transfer this development from paper to reality.
"We are extremely excited to partner with the state government, our valued sponsors and industry contacts in bringing the ACE vision to life over the coming years."
