By Benjamin Millar
A transitional education course for young people with disabilities has a brighter future after securing a new purpose-built home.
Victoria University’s Western Futures Program has provided skills and training for more than 400 young people with disabilities, operating for the past 15 years out of a terrace house in Pilgrim Street.
A newly renovated space at the Footscray Nicholson campus, launched last Thursday, provides the program a modern teaching space with new IT equipment, a breakout area for students and new office spaces and meeting rooms.
The campus space brings students closer to other classes, as well as amenities such as the library and cafeteria.
The 21-year-old Western Futures Program creates pathways for students transitioning from special schools into adulthood.
Students study literacy and numeracy and areas such as IT, trades and hospitality.
Footscray MP Marsha Thomson said the state government wanted everyone to have opportunities, regardless of their background.
“TAFEs play a vital role across Victoria in helping disadvantaged students gain access to training and job opportunities – and the Western Futures Program is an outstanding example of this,” she said.
