A new, world-leading facility at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus will give regional and rural students greater opportunities to develop a career in engineering.
Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham and Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson today launched the new $55 million Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training (CADET) that will deliver innovative new opportunities for Geelong and surrounding districts.
Minister Birmingham said the Australian Government had committed $21.5 million to the Centre for Advanced Design in Engineering Training’s design, modelling and prototyping facilities.
“Modern facilities that provide students with the skills they need, in areas where we know there are jobs, are vital both in meeting in this case local engineering demands but also to attract students from outside of the Geelong region.
“Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects are a key part to Australia remaining a prosperous economy.
“These days, around 75 per cent of jobs in the fast growing industries demand workers with science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.
“The Centre for Advanced Design and Engineering Training is helping us create a strong workforce with the science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills necessary to drive innovation and secure Australia’s economic future.”
Ms Henderson said the Australian Government commitment would give students hands on experience to work with cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
“Deakin has joined with the Gordon Institute, Belmont High School and other local secondary schools to help inspire and educate young people in forging a career in engineering. The program has a particular focus on nurturing young women who are currently under-represented in engineering.
“The Centre will partner with local schools and vocational education and training providers. Students will see demonstrations of the latest equipment and get a taste of the exciting careers which come from studying engineering,” she said.
“The co-location of CADET with exciting ventures such as Carbon Revolution and HeiQ will undoubtedly create further partnerships between researchers and industry.
“With our government’s announcement of a $14m Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, also based at Deakin University, the CADET facility represents another wonderful investment in developing engineering and manufacturing excellence in our region,” Ms Henderson concluded.
Minister Birmingham’s media contact: James Murphy 0478 333 974
Sarah Henderson’s media contact: Dean Bushell 0432 553 559
Department Media: media@education.gov.au