Holmesglen Institute
By John Berger
02 AUGUST 2023
Tonight I rise to speak to the annual report for the Holmesglen TAFE for the year 2022. Why does this report matter – because education matters. Labor’s Gough Whitlam and Labor’s legacy for education reforms have shaped generations of Australians and empowered individuals to reach their full potential. By emphasising the importance of education Labor and Whitlam transformed the lives of countless individuals and contributed to the social and economic progress of Australia. By promoting equity in education we laid the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous Australia, leaving a legacy that continues to benefit generations to come.
We know that the pandemic caused severe economic disruption, and TAFE institutes have allowed us to bounce back and drive economic development.
Holmesglen’s success ensures the provision of quality education, drives economic development, fosters research and innovation and facilitates global collaboration. TAFE institutions serve as crucial pillars of society, nurturing talent, creating knowledge and shaping the future. It helps us navigate life and contribute to society. It opens doors to being employed, and the flow-on benefits are immense.
In 2022 Holmesglen was successful in delivering excellence in education and applied research, helping students to succeed in their careers and contribute to society. It provides high-quality vocational education and training and higher education programs which benefit Victorian industries and fill key roles in our community. Its success can be attributed to its three-year strategic plan, with 2022 representing the midpoint of its implementation. Its strategy consists of six key areas: one, a strong service delivery model; two, industry and employer engagement; three, excellence in teaching and learning; four, distinctiveness in the delivery of programs; five, organisational development; and six, providing the technology for tomorrow.
Consider the partnership with Northwestern Polytechnic in Alberta, Canada, which has developed a collaborative online international learning program – a world first – in nursing, or its extensive list of courses and educational programs, where students have gone on to achieve various awards, including the apprentice of the year awards, the Premier’s award and international education and higher education awards.
The school community and enrolment figures showcase the trust that so many in my community place in the team. In 2022 they enrolled over 18,000 learners in their senior secondary certificates, vocational programs and higher education degrees. They also enrolled over 7000 learners in skill sets and non-award programs assisting with foundational and specific work-related skills. And it played a vital role in enhancing productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth within economies. Here are a few examples. They have introduced the Play Like a Girl sports degrees, which are dedicated to the empowerment of girls and women in sport. Their employment centre combines the Victorian government funded Skills First and free TAFE programs, skills and job centre services and the Reconnect program. They have fostered industry collaboration and innovation by launching new partnerships with Chadstone shopping centre and the Professional Golfers Association. One thing I am particularly proud of is the Holmesglen Foundation, which has distributed $849,500 for scholarships and grants, awarding 100 scholarships and grants. I commend their dedication to inclusivity and diversity.
The annual report refers to their gender equality action plan, which was approved by the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector. Its workforce is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity, and it recruits the most qualified, experienced and capable employees through a transparent and merit-based selection process. By fostering an inclusive environment from the top down, Holmesglen empowers students to unleash their full potential and contribute meaningfully to our society. I am proud that my community is so well serviced by one of Australia’s largest TAFE institutes, with a proud 40-year history in supporting our learners, business partners and communities.
I commend the Andrews Labor government for investing in exceptional education, training and applied research, and for backing Holmesglen all the way. It is an institution that continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the workforce, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for success. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Holmesglen, its staff and its students for their exceptional achievements. Let us continue to support and invest in this invaluable institution that plays a vital role in shaping our community’s future and driving economic development for a prosperous Australia. I invite the Minister for Higher Education, Minister Tierney, to visit Holmesglen with my colleague in the other place the member for Ashwood Matt Fregon to visit the campus and thank the staff for their incredible work. I am truly proud to be a member of a government that supports higher education.