ACE part II opened

ACE part II opened

Docklands’ state-of-the-art automotive training facility was last month officially opened by the Victorian Minister for Higher Education and Skills Peter Hall.

After six years of planning and construction, Mr Hall opened the $84 million second stage of Kangan TAFE’s Automative Centre of Excellence (ACE) on February 22.

The campus has achieved a 5 Star Green Star environmental rating and is home to 3500 automotive apprentices, with up to 530 of them possibly being on site at any one time.

The centre is the largest and most advanced automotive training and research facility in the southern hemisphere.

Mr Hall said the Victorian Government’s contribution of $40 million to secure the very best facilities for supporting and developing skills for the Victorian automotive industry was money well spent.

“It is appropriate this fantastic new facility is located right here in Victoria because our state is the heart of Australia’s automotive industry,” Mr Hall said.

“The Government’s investment represents one of the largest capital investments in any TAFE infrastructure project in Victoria and demonstrates the Victorian Government’s commitment to this vital industry.”

The ACE contains leading-edge technology including:

A world-class vehicle and engine testing facility encompassing motorcycle, light and heavy vehicle dynamometers and associated engine emission test units;

A state-of-the-art auto electrical lab with the latest simulation and diagnostic equipment; and

Specialised workshop spaces, including a dedicated workshop for industry training.

“The new centre has been built in close consultation with the automotive industry to ensure the training, research and development that takes place further drives the competitiveness of the sector, encourages future investment and supports jobs growth,” Mr Hall said.

Training offered at the ACE includes apprenticeships, traineeships, post-trade specialities, industry training and short courses with qualifications from Cert I to Diploma level across all currently recognised automotive trades.

“The opening of this facility has secured Kangan Institute’s place as Victoria’s best equipped training provider for the automotive, aerospace and transport industries,” Mr Hall said.

Kangan Institute CEO Ray Griffiths said the centre was a unique hub open to all automotive stakeholders, whether they were students, employers, industry participants or even motoring enthusiasts.

“The ACE was established with a clear aim to focus on the industry’s needs and provide future automotive leaders with innovative and relevant training to strengthen the industry’s overall competitiveness,” Mr Griffiths said.

“With the launch of stage two, I can say with confidence that we’re taking a big step towards further securing our position as the most advanced automotive training provider in the region.”

Join Our Facebook Group