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Modern Methods of Construction drive collaboration between governments and industry partners to establish a training hub.
The Albanese and Allan Governments have committed $50 million over five years to establish the Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence. Located at the Heidelberg campus, this state-of-the-art facility will focus on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), addressing Australia’s critical housing needs and building a skilled workforce for the future. (Render of new Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence. credit: Brand Architects.)
This initiative aligns with the Australian Government’s $325 million National Skills Agreement, which includes up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence nationwide. These centres aim to develop skilled workforces for key industries, including construction, to support the delivery of national housing priorities.
Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training, highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Partnerships like we are making today, between governments, training organisations, and industry, are the best way to deliver the skills people need for good, secure work and careers.”
Focus on Modern Methods of Construction
The centre will integrate advanced construction courses, innovative training practices, and cutting-edge digital technologies, including a holographic training suite.
Simon Croft, Chief Executive (Industry Policy) of the Housing Industry Association (HIA), expressed optimism about the initiative: “HIA welcomes the announcement of funding to establish a Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence which will provide an important platform for industry to learn and develop the skills that will shape the construction of our future homes.”
The facility will also collaborate with other TAFEs, universities, and innovation partners, such as the Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre, to foster applied research in MMC. This approach seeks to ensure that new construction methods are both sustainable and scalable.
Supporting a Skilled Workforce
Free TAFE has already enabled nearly 190,000 Victorians to access new career pathways since 2019, including over 33,300 students in construction courses. Gayle Tierney, Minister for Skills and TAFE, noted the program’s impact: “Free TAFE has opened doors to new training and career pathways, saving aspiring tradies over $71 million in tuition fees and preparing them for jobs in the high-demand construction industry.”
With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the centre will contribute to the Australian Government’s broader goal of addressing housing challenges. As Giles emphasised: “Increasing our capability to build houses in a more environmentally responsible and efficient way will create a foundation for a sustainable future, helping achieve our Future Made in Australia plan.”
Collaboration and Innovation
The Melbourne Polytechnic Future of Housing Construction Centre of Excellence builds on existing efforts, such as the institution’s Advanced Manufacturing Centre of Excellence and Clean Economy Skills Lab. By integrating modern construction techniques and fostering industry partnerships, the centre is positioned to lead Australia’s housing transition to modern methods of construction.
Croft added: “The Centre of Excellence will facilitate greater uptake of innovations in the sector and better equip the builders of the future with the skills to drive this forward.”
