Skills boost puts Geelong on map as centre of excellence

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30 Oct 2014

Geelong's economy and job development will take a major step forward with Premier Denis Napthine today announcing a $7 million investment in a specialised training centre to provide employment pathways for people to work in the city's growing injury and insurance industry.

Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government had developed a partnership with Deakin University and The Gordon Institute to create a global centre of excellence for injury and disability insurance (the Centre) which will be based at Deakin's waterfront campus. 

"We have worked hard to secure Geelong as the location for the NDIA headquarters and have committed to relocating WorkCover to Geelong if re-elected in November," Dr Napthine said.

"Along with the TAC, these two agencies will create the Australian Injury and Disability Network and employ more than 1500 people in Geelong.

"Today I am pleased to announce that we are also delivering this important training facility to make sure we can develop local skills and provide pathways for people to gain employment in this exciting and growing industry," Dr Napthine said.

Dr Napthine said the Centre will provide training and reskilling opportunities for more than 1000 tertiary and TAFE students over five years.

Scholarships will also be available for people seeking financial assistance to undertake re-training opportunities or graduate studies.

"Local people will also be able to access cadetships and graduate recruitment schemes meaning students can expect high-quality, fit-for-purpose training that provides on the job work experience," Dr Napthine said.

"This is training for the jobs that represent the future of Geelong and I am delighted to be here today to announce this partnership with Deakin and the Gordon Institute."

Assistant Treasurer Gordon Rich-Phillips said the Network will focus on economic development including training, education and skills opportunities, as well as industry-led research and employment opportunities within the Barwon region.

"The Network will create a geographic centre for personal injury disability and insurance excellence that attracts economic investment and contributes to regional development," Mr Rich-Phillips said.

"The Network partners will collectively employ in excess of 1500 staff and more new jobs will be created as other like-minded enterprises establish themselves in close proximity."

"The Centre will incorporate two state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces and an industry recruitment centre with consultation rooms and display areas," Professor den Hollander said.

"Together with The Gordon and our Network partners, Deakin University is embracing the opportunity to create a recruitment and professional development centre that will help those affected by economic change access pathways to employment and reskilling programs."

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