CBD English Language Centre officially opens
9 November 2009
Kangan Batman TAFE's new English Language Centre in Flinders Lane was officially opened on November 4, signalling the start of a new era for the leading Victorian training organisation.
Board president Dominic Andreacchio said the new facility extends Kangan Batman TAFE's presence in the vocational education and training sector and provides students with a quality option for English training.
"This official launch marks the beginning of a new era for our Institute - the opening of our eighth campus, and our first in Melbourne's CBD," he said.
"It's an exciting new venture which reflects our commitment to providing quality experiences for International students. It's also another example of how we're contributing to the growth of the vocational education and training sector."
The purpose-built facility features state-of-the-art design with comprehensive student facilities. Its location - just minutes from Flinders Street Station and public transport - makes it ideal for students who want to be where the action is.
Dominic said that the move to open a city-based English language campus reflects the needs of international students.
"Earlier this year, the federal Minister for Education Julia Gillard invited international students to a roundtable discussion to talk about issues affecting their study experience in Australia, and to put forward ideas about how the sector can improve," he said.
"Delegates highlighted a number of key issues, including the availability of quality training facilities for international students. They talked about how the rapid growth of the sector sometimes isn't matched by the development of facilities at various training organisations.
"Today, with the official opening of this new centre, we're able to meet these needs and expectations in more ways than ever before."
The centre features wireless access throughout, an extensive range of resources, quality teachers and support staff, and has the capacity to cater for a wider range of language courses than previously offered at Kangan Batman TAFE's Broadmeadows campus.
Students can participate in whole class, individual, pair and small group work activities, and a range of cultural and educational activities and excursions.
The establishment of this campus has also provided better opportunities for Kangan Batman TAFE to link with new partners and build relationships with local training and employment networks, including the Centre for Adult Education (CAE).
"We're particularly excited about our partnership with CAE - an organisation which reflects our commitment to quality training and creating positive learning outcomes for students," Dominic said.
"We are very fortunate to be able to link with such a highly regarded facility here in the city, and together I'm sure we'll continue to create some wonderful learning experiences for our respective students."
