Design commences, site chosen for Wangaratta Tech School
Wangaratta is one step closer to having a regional science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education facility.
The
new facility, proposed for 16-18 Cusack Street, will be owned and operated by GOTAFE
in partnership with the Department of Education.
It
will provide access to immersive programs that will lift numeracy, literacy,
science and technology knowledge helping to inspire students for future study
and career pathways.
The initial design process has commenced for the Wangaratta Tech School following a recent stakeholder engagement and committee meeting.
Architect firm Clarke Hopkins Clarke was recently appointed and provided an overview of the project and guidelines to over 35 stakeholders, including representatives from schools and the Department of Education.
Director of the Wangaratta Tech School Xavier Norden said he is looking forward to seeing the Tech School come to life.
"It is really exciting to be starting the design process,” he said.
"The Wangaratta Tech School will provide free, innovative and advanced high-tech STEM programs to our local students while allowing them to remain enrolled in their local secondary school."
“We are working closely with 26 partner schools to ensure the facility meets the needs of our learners and community.”
The secondary schools are located across Wangaratta, Alpine, Benalla, Indigo and Wodonga local government areas.
As outlined in the Ovens Murray Digital Plan (2023), one of the major issues facing the region is the ability to provide clear pathways for hands-on and immersive STEM learning experiences to students.
The Tech School will teach digital skills to students, with the Australian Digital Inclusion Index (ADII 2023) indicating digital inclusion is considered a critical skill for many areas of both work and life.
Data from the ADII 2023 shows that the Ovens Murray region’s Digital Inclusion Score is lower than that of both the Australian, Victorian, Melbourne and Outer Regional Victorian scores – in all aspects: access, affordability and ability.
The Wangaratta Tech School also aligns with the Victorian Skills Authority’s priorities of lifting participation in education and training and delivering skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
The Tech School will help students identify career and education pathways with the support of tertiary institutions such as GOTAFE.
Before opening in 2026, Mr Norden will be working closely with schools, industry and other stakeholders to co-design the facility and program, with construction expected to commence in 2025.
“Tech Schools aim to provide students with innovative digital technology skills and knowledge that will support them in the jobs of both today and tomorrow,” Mr Norden said.
“We are really looking forward to getting the community involved in this exciting project.”
Locally, there will be opportunities for engagement over the course of the design process.