La Trobe University has unveiled its new purpose-built facility for its engineering and technology students in Bendigo.
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The four-storey building, featuring high-tech teaching spaces and experimental laboratories, is part of the university's $50 million campus redevelopment.
Students studying industrial engineering, civil engineering, information technology and computer science will be based in the building.
The building is also home to the Bendigo Tech School, which aims to encourage school students to study and explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The university's vice-chancellor Professor John Dewar said the facility was designed to best prepare students for careers in their chosen industries.
"We know that many jobs of the future are in engineering, advanced manufacturing and information technology," Professor Dewar said.
"This building will offer high-tech learning spaces, and access to specialised equipment, to help students develop the critical skills they need to succeed in these fields.
"As a hub for our industry partners, it will also give students exposure to cutting-edge industry practice, and networking opportunities that will be vital in securing future work."
Associate Professor Hossam Aboel Naga, La Trobe's head of engineering, said the building's laboratories were equipped for experiments in manufacturing and industrial engineering, advanced materials, civil engineering, and robotics.
"For example, researchers will explore, analyse and process advanced and composite materials and, ultimately, create new 'materials of the future' with extreme properties, to improve the way we live," he said.
One of the features of the building is its strong wall and floor space, which allows civil engineering students to undertake testing that simulates real-world loading scenarios.
Its steel and glass design was inspired by the disciplines taught within.
An expanded student union and library building, new entry plaza, new sport change rooms and field lighting are also part of the campus redevelopment project, which is expected to be finished early next year.
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