Upskilling Victorians to strengthen the local health technology sector

Disabled people will benefit from more locally manufactured disability equipment thanks to an innovative training program supported by Allan’s Labor government.

Acting Minister for Skills and TAFE Natalie Hutchins today welcomed NORTH Link’s new initiative to help develop the skills of local manufacturers in the design and production of assistive technology.

This new training program is supported by $1.2 million from the Allan Labor Government and will help providers improve assistive technology products and give healthcare workers more information about how to make these products.

Assistive technology includes hardware, tools, software and devices, from wheelchairs and mobility devices to screen readers and voice-controlled home appliances. This technology helps older people and people with disabilities perform everyday activities that might otherwise be difficult.

NORTH Link, the University of Swinburne and the Bendigo Kangana Institute at TAFE are working with the health and manufacturing industries, allied health professionals and disabled people and their carers to develop a targeted training program.

As most assistive technology devices are imported into Australia, having a skilled local workforce will make assistive technology more accessible and fit for purpose, resulting in better life outcomes for those who rely on it.

Health technology is one of Victoria’s fastest growing sectors, generating over $3 billion in exports and supporting over 51,700 jobs across the state. This initiative will help Victorians access the training and skills they need for a rewarding career in the advanced manufacturing sector.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 is investing $555 million in Skills and TAFE to enable even more Victorians to upskill into meaningful, well-paid careers. This means key initiatives to support students, TAFEs, training providers and industries can continue, including over $1 billion a year in subsidized training places.

As stated by acting Minister for Skills and TAFE Natalie Hutchins

“We are supporting our health technology sector to address current and future health challenges, and we are supporting world-class TAFE in Victoria to provide the training and skills needed for the next generation of work in this industry.”

“This project is a great example of how collaboration between training providers and industry can provide Victorians with the skills they need for the jobs they want in high-demand areas.”

As Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward said

“This innovative program will empower people with disabilities by providing them with more locally manufactured, high-quality assistive devices, while also strengthening our local workforce.”

As stated by NORTH Link Executive Director Chris James

“This funding has enabled NORTH Link to work with the health, education and manufacturing sectors to develop educational materials designed to enable custom local manufacturing of assistive technology devices that will improve the experience of customers with disabilities and older adults.”