GOTAFE chief executive Travis Heeney said the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations would help deliver the future skills and job needs of the wider food manufacturing and agriculture sectors.
He said it was an exciting opportunity for both organisations.
“This MoU will enable GOTAFE and SPC to innovate, as well as co-design programs and deliver solutions to benefit both organisations and the region,” Mr Heeney said.
SPC chief executive Rob Giles said the partnership would strengthen the supply of skilled labour and create pathways to meaningful jobs.
“It’s really important that we continue to build skills in the region so we can expand and do the things we need to in the future — because we’ve got a plan to grow this into a lot bigger business,” Mr Giles said.
He said the MoU would unlock new future arrangements between SPC and GOTAFE.
“We hope there will be centres of food excellence up here to work with partners and provide new infrastructure, not just education,” Mr Giles said.
He said SPC was looking to provide apprenticeships in agricultural science and electrical areas as well as mechanical skills.
“It’s right across the breadth — we will need food handling and food technician as well,” he said.
Victorian Training and Skills Minister Gayle Tierney, who attended Thursday’s MoU signing, said the partnership was a valuable one for the future provision of industry-relevant training in Shepparton.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how GOTAFE and SPC make their mark on the local community by strengthening training, creating more jobs and supporting the local industry,” Ms Tierney said.
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