GOTAFE making education accessible with Mobile Campus
Jobseekers in regional and remote Victorian communities will now have better access to training and career counselling, as GOTAFE hits the road in a repurposed semi-trailer thanks to the State Government.
The Mobile Campus is fully accessible, featuring a client reception area, private career counselling space, workshop and seminar space, and a community computer lab.
It will cater for an additional 200,000 northern Victorians over the next three years, including prospective students, jobseekers, industry and community groups, by reducing the need for them to travel long distances or relocate for the services they need.
Amongst the many local government areas GOTAFE intends to visit November 2021 onwards include Alpine, Benalla, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Hume, Indigo, Macedon Ranges, Mansfield, Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi, Shepparton, Strathbogie and Towong shires.
The Mobile Campus will also assist regional communities and industry are facing unprecedented social and economic challenges, which have been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“GOTAFE is committed to playing a lead role in supporting these communities to respond to these challenges,” GOTAFE CEO Travis Heeney said.
"At the heart of the mobile campus is hope to bridge the gap between our communities and deliver critical employment and education services, regardless of location, access and financial barriers."
GOTAFE will work in partnership with local government and tap into job active networks and financial support services, ensuring a community-centered approach as part of the service delivery.
This project recognises that some students are disadvantaged by a lack of transport options which affects their access to education and other GOTAFE services.
The Mobile Campus was made possible by the State Government, which has invested $667,000 to the project in partnership with GOTAFE and La Trobe University.
Check out where the Mobile Campus is headed