A new training program aims to boost Victoria’s health technology sector, with a focus on manufacturing assistive technology for people with disabilities.
The initiative, supported by a $1.2 million investment from the Victorian Government, is a collaboration between NORTH Link, Swinburne University, and Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE. It will involve industry experts, healthcare professionals, and people with disabilities to develop targeted training programs.
Currently, most assistive technology is imported. This program aims to create a skilled local workforce to manufacture these devices in Victoria, making them more readily available and potentially improving their design for local needs.
“We’re backing our healthtech sector to address current and future health challenges, and we’re supporting Victoria’s world-class TAFEs to provide the training and skills needed for a new generation of jobs in this industry,” said Acting Minister for Skills and TAFE Natalie Hutchins.
“This innovative program will empower people living with disabilities by providing them with more locally manufactured, high-quality assistive devices, while also boosting our local workforce,” said Member for Broadmeadows Kathleen Matthews-Ward.
“This funding has enabled NORTH Link to work together with the health, education and manufacturing sectors to develop learning materials designed to enable customised local manufacturing of assistive technology devices that will improve the experiences of disability and aged care clients,” said NORTH Link Executive Director Chris James.
The project aligns with the Victorian Government’s investment of $555 million in Skills and TAFE, aiming to provide Victorians with opportunities to gain skills for well-paying careers in the growing health technology sector, which already generates over $3 billion in exports and employs over 51,700 Victorians.
“This project is a shining example of how collaboration between training providers and industry can ensure Victorians get the skills they need for the jobs they want in areas of high demand,” Hutchins added.
