Monash College, a wholly owned subsidiary of Monash University, celebrated the official inauguration of its Docklands campus today, as well as the debut of its new Future Skills division, which will allow the College to offer more vocational education and training (VET) programs. While the Docklands campus has been open since December 2021, the school's resumption of normal operations following COVID-related disruptions has finally allowed it to be officially launched. The campus's launch coincides with Monash College's hosting of National Skills Week in Victoria from August 21-27. The Monash College Docklands campus welcomes a cohort of foreign students from China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia, and will play an important part in addressing the skills shortages that are being felt in both the Victorian and national economy. Professor Susan Elliott AM, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University, helped launch the new campus and spoke about the impact it will have on the Victorian and national economy. "The new campus consolidates the College's previous operations across multiple campuses in Melbourne's CBD, Caulfield, and Clayton into one dedicated, contemporary place for students to complete their foundational, English language, and diploma courses, as well as experience a smooth pathway to study at Monash University," Professor Elliott said. As a Registered Training Organisation, Monash College recognizes the significant role vocational education and training play in meeting industry needs.
The College also plays an important role in the University's ability to interface with industry and government by allowing access to Monash alumni' vast skills. "As major, long-term, and structural influences drive transformative change in our economy and society, Monash College will help prepare students with the skills needed to respond to a digital world and demographic change, as well as skills that will enable us to transition to a net zero carbon economy."We look forward to continuing to increase the creation of skilled people for our country in collaboration with the City of Melbourne, the Victorian Government, and our other industry partners." Monash College CEO Jo Mithen has worked in close consultation with industry and education experts to establish Monash College Future Skills, which will focus on equipping students and businesses with skills aligned to meet industry challenges and future workforce needs. "Monash College Future Skills will offer students, corporates, and the community a suite of vocational skills-based programs, initially focused on IT, cyber security, leadership, and business, and later courses to support the health and care industry," said Ms. Mithen. "Future Skills will include micro-skills and credentials, as well as accredited qualifications in artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, digital leadership, and project management. We are embracing this opportunity in response to industry demand for micro-credentials and digital skills, as well as challenges around a shortage of trained staff in emerging technologies.
"These new skills-based programs will continue to support students transitioning into Monash University, but will also support students looking to complete a vocational qualification or acquire practical skills to gain employment. "The College is backed by Monash University's diversity, breadth of alumni, research, partnerships, collaborations, and connections, which fits in with Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp's description of Melbourne as a knowledge city, and will help continue the revitalization of Melbourne's Docklands and surrounds following a challenging three years." "Monash College's continued and broadened contribution to Melbourne's educational fabric is a key pillar of our city's skills strategy; it's here in Melbourne that we are producing capable minds that will help reshape the economic landscape." For almost 30 years, Monash College has successfully provided pathways for students to transition into University. It has also built collaboration, engagement, and partnerships with industry to strengthen Victoria's talent, training, and student employment support with the employability skills and knowledge to maximize their opportunities to succeed in the global workforce.
