The company tasked with building Warrnambool's new $20.25 million learning and library hub is expected to be announced at the end of the month.
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Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney made the announcement during a visit to South West TAFE's Warrnambool campus on Wednesday.
She also announced local apprentices and trainees from South West TAFE would make up 10 per cent of the construction workforce on the project.
This will occur as part of the state government's Big Build Apprenticeships Program.
South West TAFE chief executive officer Mark Fidge said the state-of-the-art facility was expected to be completed in June 2022.
"This is an incredible opportunity for construction students and works alongside our vision to provide life-long learning and the very best opportunities to everyone in our community," he said.
Ms Tierney said it was an exciting opportunity for apprentices to be able to be involved in the project.
"For years to come we will have people who have worked on the project to be able to come down Timor Street and Kepler Street and say 'I helped build that'," she said.
Ms Tierney said apprenticeships and traineeships were an important pathway for students.
"Big Build Apprenticeships will give the next generation of apprentices and trainees the practical experience they need to get rewarding and well-paid jobs across our major infrastructure projects," she said.
Warrnambool mayor Vicki Jellie said she was excited the facility would add to the city's cultural precinct.
She said she was confident the learning hub would help boost the city's educational attainment levels.
"Well done to those involved on reaching this important milestone," Cr Jellie said.
School leavers and young people are encouraged to apply to be involved in the project with priority given to workers who were affected by the coronavirus pandemic, disadvantaged Victorians and those under-represented in the construction industry.
The project is one of the state government's first under the $33 million Big Build Apprenticeships program, which will be a training ground for the next generation of construction workers.
The new facility will replace the existing South West TAFE and Warrnambool libraries. The state government has provided $16.3 million, the Warrnambool City Council is contributing $3.12 million and South West TAFE is contributing $830,000.
The Big Build Apprenticeships program will provide 1500 opportunities to Victorian apprentices and trainees each year for four years.
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