Bendigo Tech School opened its doors yesterday with secondary students now able to access the latest technology and innovative learning programs as part of their studies.
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Located at La Trobe University, the Bendigo Tech School will be accessed by up to 8500 students from the 14 government, catholic and independent schools in the region.
Students wasted no time in engaging in the technology on offer including robotics, virtual reality and advanced manufacturing equipment.
“It's a good opportunity for students to come and learn their STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects,” Weeroona College Bendigo student Thazinoo said.
“At the start of the year the student ambassadors got together and planned a bit of (the school) with local companies.”
Creek Street Christian College student Ethan Davies was eager to study engineering.
“It's great to have a building designed for this sort of study and to have a focus on technology (like this) in Bendigo,” he said.
Bendigo Tech School is the last of 10 tech schools to be built in Victoria.
Skills learned at the tech schools will align with industry and employment needs in the region.
Minister for Education James Merlino said skills learned at the tech schools would align with industry and employment needs in the region.
“It will focus on areas of strength and opportunity in Bendigo such as pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, food and construction,” he said.
Weeroona College Bendigo principal Leanne Preece has been a part of the project since it was first announced three years ago.
“I could see the vision for this and the opportunities it would have for all secondary students across Bendigo,” she said.
“For every student it means access to world-class facilities and already (students) are collaborating with each other.”
The new tech school will also help secondary schools develop and enhance their own curriculum.
“We've been running a STEM program at Weeroona for about three years now and have put a lot of resources into our facilities,” Ms Preece said.
“It's fascinating to go back to this hands on learning. This (tech school) enhances those STEM programs.”
Bendigo Tech School also includes cutting-edge equipment, some of which isn’t available at other educational facilities in Australia.
“You'll find 3D printers and cutters that you wont get in other educational facilities,” La Trobe University vice chancellor John Dewar said.
“The way we make things is changing profoundly. We want to ensure young people are as well prepared as they can be for the future so they can support the growth of manufacturing industries in this region.
“One of the great things is to have students from 14 schools meeting fellow enthusiasts for study in a way they couldn’t before.
“It’s a real opportunity for students to mix and interact in a way that will be productive for them.”
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