By Jessica Micallef
A new partnership has been created to strengthen employment pathways in Hume.
Hume council and Victoria University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which will see the university inject $2.7 million over five years to increase learning opportunities and skills for employment and employment pathways in Hume.
As part of the agreement, Victoria University will contribute $1.35 million to the Hume Global Learning Centre in Sunbury, and $1.35 million towards Hume Multiversity – a program aimed to develop and promote partnerships between business, education and community through a range of programs and services.
The program also facilitates and offers skills for employment and employment pathways by making tertiary education and training opportunities accessible to Hume residents.
Hume mayor Carly Moore said the agreement was central to the council’s and university’s commitment to work together to raise post-secondary education participation and increase skills and access to jobs.
“This partnership will see increased access to jobs, skills and education pathways for local people, particularly for young people,” she said.
“The council is proud of its Hume Multiversity program that aims to improve community education opportunities, facilitate learning and develop collaborative partnerships between education, community and business.
“The MOU and agreement with Victoria University will complement and strengthen the work of the Hume Multiversity program with a specific focus on the Sunbury community.”
University vice-chancellor and president Peter Dawkins said he was proud to be strengthening the relationship between Hume council and the university.
“We are excited to revitalise our work in the Sunbury area aligning with Hume Multiversity, to deliver educational activities that encourage lifelong learning and benefit the entire community,” he said.
“We offer unique learning opportunities for a diverse range of students.
“Through this partnership, adult learning opportunities will be increased and our programs will help to grow the skills needed by local industries through our place-based and translational research expertise.
“Together with Hume council, our presence in the region will build new opportunities for the community to discover, learn, upskill and grow.”
Mr Dawkins and Cr Moore met in a virtual event on July 1 to sign the agreement.
